More than 280 guests have signed up to attend The Advantage Travel Partnership’s Big Celebration Lunch taking place at Hilton Bankside on 1^st December 2023.

The lunch, to be attended by Advantage members, business partners, media and VIP guests, is to be hosted by television presenter, Mark Durden-Smith, and will encompass a three-course meal and entertainment, with 21 awards showcasing the best of the best - from exceptional employees to sustainability champions.

The 21 awards will feature some categories voted for by members and others by the Advantage team. The six self-nominated awards will be judged this year by a panel comprising:  Joanna Kolatsis, Founding Director of Themis Advisory; Michelle Van Sprang, Director of A S Training; and Simon Atkinson, Director and Head of Travel within the Corporate Hospitality and Leisure team at Barclays.

Kelly Cookes, Chief Commercial Officer of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “This year’s Big Celebration Lunch is set to be the biggest and most spectacular yet—a true celebration of success.

 “This unique event gives us an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the great and the good of travel, be they trailblazers, mentors, unsung heroes or those who deliver over and above for their customers. It’s also about celebrating the success of individual members and business partners and presenting awards to those who have been truly outstanding during the year.”

Advantage has also announced that for this year’s Big Celebration Lunch they will be partnering with The Salvation Army on a new charity initiative, whereby guests are asked to bring with them a wrapped Christmas gift. Advantage will also be making a corporate donation of £1 per vote.

Cookes continued: “Every year at Christmas the Salvation Army donates new toys and gifts to children, young people, the homeless and older people in need.  With the demand for Christmas presents increasing each year, we are appealing to our guests to bring a new, unwrapped gift to the event to help support their worthy appeal.”

Julia Lo-Bue Said, CEO, The Advantage Travel Partnership, added: “The Big Celebration Lunch event holds a special place in our hearts, as it brings together friends and colleagues from across our business sector. It's a unique opportunity to connect with stakeholders who contribute to what Advantage stands for: driving business growth for our members.

“This occasion is one of my favourite events of the year, as it revolves around celebrating the successes of our members and business partners, while recognising outstanding achievements. I am eagerly looking forward to this event, where we can come together to celebrate, connect, and continue building on the achievements of what has been a remarkable year for the industry.”

Supplier Awards

Airline of the Year 2023

Tour Operator of the Year 2023

Supporting Partner of the Year 2023

Accommodation Partner of the Year 2023

Latitude Supplier Partner of the Year 2023

Innovation Award – Leisure of the Year 2023

Innovation Award – Corporate of the Year 2023

Trade Support Team of the Year 2023

Destination Partner of the Year 2023

Member Awards

Member Innovator of the Year 2023

Employee of the Year 2023

Talent Nurturer of Year 2023

ESG Champion of the Year 2023

Best Marketing Initiative/Campaign 2023

Emerging Talent Award 2023

Most Engaged Latitude Member 2023

Advantage Holidays Agents of the Year 2023

The Advantage Advocate of the Year 2023

Advantage Financial Services Member of the Year 2023  

Spotlight Award 2023

Most Engaged Advantage Global Network Partner

Find out more at bigcelebrationlunch.uk