The Dovetail Team were delighted to join National Geographic Traveller yesterday evening for their fantastic annual Reader Awards at Le Meridien Piccadilly. The event washosted by Kiran Jethwa, Kenya’s first celebrity chef who strives to bring tothe screen his unique ability to combine his natural culinary flare with hislove for adventure. He certainly didn’t fail to take guests on a culinaryadventure within the confines of the event room, as he sent out black pepper, shots, and lime wedges which when consumed in that order amazingly gives ataste of chocolate in the mouth.
Amongst theattendees were some of the travel industry’s top executives and senior figures, including representatives from British Airways, Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Kuoni. Following a glamorous reception of champagne, canapés and mingling, guests were ushered into the main room where the winners were announced. Ahighlight of the evening was undeniably the inspirational speech delivered by travel legend, Michael Palin upon acceptance of the award for his outstanding contribution to travel. His grounded words left us with an underlying urge to promote travel and the wonders that it opens our eyes to and the importance of an acceptance and welcoming of all cultures and communities.
The DovetailAgency would like to congratulate all of the winners:
SHORT-HAULCITY - Barcelona
SHORT-HAUL COUNTRY- Italy
SHORT-HAUL AIRLINE- British Airways
LONG-HAUL CITY -New York
LONG-HAUL COUNTRY- USA
LONG-HAUL AIRLINE- British Airways
OVERSEAS HOTELGROUP - Hilton Hotels & Resorts
UK HOTEL GROUP -Premier Inn
OVERSEASATTRACTION - Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
UK ATTRACTION –Eden Project
NEW CULTURALEXPERIENCE - Lincoln Castle (renovation), UK
TOUR OPERATOR -Kuoni
FAMILY TRAVELCOMPANY - Thomas Cook
RAIL JOURNEY-Rocky Mountaineer, Canada
CRUISE LINE -P&O Cruises
TRAVEL BLOG -Budget Traveller
TRAVEL BOOK - TheRoad to Little Dribbling, by Bill Bryson
TV Programme -Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough (BBC)
OUTSTANDINGCONTRIBUTION TO TRAVEL - Michael Palin
NEW GREENINITIATIVE - Wilderness Safaris – Rhino Conservation Project