All the winners in the 2023 Telegraph Travel Awards
At Telegraph Travel, we always do our best to recommend good places to visit, the best travel companies to book with and the best places to stay. According, that is, to our own experience. But in the end, it is you, the readers, who are the ultimate judges. It is your experiences which count. So the moment when we get the final results from our annual reader survey is always an exciting and a fascinating one.
We have been reporting your views and judgements almost every year since the first edition of the awards in 1998. But this time, the wait has been rather longer than usual. Our last reader survey was published in November, 2019 – just before the pandemic struck. Two years of disruption and distraction then followed, before travel began to return to more normal patterns. Then, of course, we had to wait a year – to give you time to get back out on the road again.
But now, at last, we can once again reveal the best of the best. Below you will find the results in 20 different categories – from your highest rated tour operators, airlines and car hire companies to your favourite destinations around the world. Over the coming days we will publish an analysis of each award, outlining why the winners have triumphed and taking a deeper look at the data.
We can only compile these results because of your commitment and engagement. Our survey is a long, thorough one which takes time and thought to complete. But almost 30,000 readers have risen to the challenge and provided us – once again – with the most important, influential and independent insight into the world of travel. Into which companies are performing best and which destinations have fired our readers’ imaginations most; which have slipped from the top rankings and which have upped their game.
Those that have excelled in our awards have only done so because they meet your exacting standards. And, as we can see from the sheer numbers and the wide range of destinations and companies which are rated, Telegraph readers are hugely adventurous and experienced travellers. Over the last year, you have explored every corner of the globe and travelled in all sorts of different ways - from cruises to road trips, trekking to trains. You have gone on coach tours, you have been on expeditions to the Antarctic. You have booked with the biggest sun and sand tour operators, the smallest specialist travel companies and you have planned your own adventures. Read on to see what you and your fellow readers’ verdict on the world of travel.
Best country
Winner: South Africa
Second: New Zealand
Third: Maldives
See our full guide to the best countries
Best worldwide city
Winner: Cape Town
Second: Vancouver
Third: Rio de Janeiro
Best European country
Winner: Italy
Second: Greece
Third: Norway
See our full guide to the best countries
Best European city
Winner: Venice
Second: Seville
Third: Rome
Best short-haul airline
Winner: Jet2.com
Second: Swiss
Third: Aurigny
Best long-haul airline
Winner: Emirates
Second: Qatar Airways
Third: Singapore Airlines
Best hotel group
Winner: Ikos
Second: Oberoi Hotels & Resorts
Third: Belmond
Best tour operator
Winner: Audley
Second: Dialaflight
Third: Trailfinders
Best escorted tour operator
Winner: G Adventures
Second: Exodus
Third: Riviera Travel
Best specialist tour operator
Winner: McKinlay Kidd
Second: Inntravel
Third: Kenwood
Best large-ship ocean cruise line
Winner: Celebrity
Second: Cunard
Third: Princess
Best small-ship ocean cruise line
Winner: Silversea
Second: Seabourn
Third: Hurtigruten
Best boutique ocean cruise line
Winner: Viking
Second: Azamara
Third: Saga
Best river cruise line
Winner: Uniworld
Second: Viking River Cruises
Third: Riviera Travel
Best car hire operator
Winner: Auto Reisen
Second: Cicar
Third: Zest Car Rental
Best ferry line
Winner: Brittany Ferries
Second: Stena Line
Third: DFDS
Best ski holiday company
Winner: Peak Retreats
Second: VIP Ski
Third: Sunweb
Best villa operator
Winner: Vintage Travel
Second: Simpson Travel
Third: Oliver’s Travel
Best cottage operator
Winner: Mr and Mrs Smith
Second: Unique Homestays
Third: Rural Retreats
Best rail holiday company
Winner: Great Rail Journeys
Second: Eurostar
Third: UK Railtours
