Food and Travel Reader Awards – winners announced
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The winners in the prestigious 2016 Food and Travel Reader Awards are unveiled in the latest issue of the world’s leading gastronomic tourism title. Readers of Food and Travel magazine voted in their thousands for the best in food, drink and travel, with the winners crowned a gala dinner at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London.
Destination of the Year was awarded to Spain, with Ana Bermúdez, head of press and PR for the Spanish Tourist Office, saying: ‘The Spanish Tourist Office is delighted to have won the Food and Travel Destination of the Year.’
Upon winning Tour Operator of the Year, Journey Latin America’s head of marketing, Jenny Powles, said: ‘It really means so much to us. We’ve been nominated a few years in a row and have never actually won, so this is really exciting news.’
UK director Sarah Hicks attended on behalf of sponsor Champagne Pommery and said: ‘Sponsoring this event has really helped us expand our brand. We’ve had a great opportunity to showcase our champagne to restaurateurs, hoteliers, travel agents and tour operators. It’s a global experience and that’s an added bonus for us.’
As has become customary, the evening saw three of last year’s winning chefs – Michel Roux Jr, Mark Jordan and Adam Handling – work with the executive head chef at the RAC, Philip Corrick, to create a stunning gourmet meal with matching wines by Vasse Felix and Brancott Estate.
Video highlights can be seen at bit.ly/FandTAwards2016
A full list of winners can be seen at foodandtravel.com/awards
The Winner Include:
City of the Year London
Destination of the Year Spain
Hotel of the Year (Rural) Gidleigh Park
Hotel of the Year (City) Claridge’s
Hotel of the Year (International) LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius
Hotel of the Year (Gourmet Bolthole) The Hand & Flowers
Hotel of the Year (Bed & Breakfast) The Salutation Inn
Hotel of the Year, overall winner Gidleigh Park
Cruise Line of the Year (River) Viking River Cruises
Cruise Line of the Year (Boutique) Oceania Cruises
Cruise Line of the Year (Ocean) Celebrity Cruises
Cruise Line of the Year, overall winner Viking River Cruises
Short-Haul Airline of the Year British Airways
Long-Haul Airline of the Year Emirates
Tour Operator of the Year Journey Latin America
The call for next year’s nominations from readers will appear in the April 2017 issue.