Cashel Travel named Tour Operator/DMC of the Year
In March 2026 – UKinbound, the UK’s foremost travel trade association for the UK’s inbound visitor economy (international visitation) – forecast to be worth over £35.7 billion to the UK economy in 2026 – awarded Cashel Travel the accolade of Tour Operator/DMC of the Year at its Awards for Excellence ceremony on Thursday 26 February.
The award was presented in front of over 400 travel and tourism professionals at the association’s 2025 Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, which took place at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel in Manchester.
Following self-nomination, the winners were decided by an independent panel of judges comprising:
- Professor Xavier Font, Professor of Sustainability Marketing, University of Surrey
- Eddy Leviten, Executive Director, Tourism Alliance
- Ian Taylor, Executive Editor, Travel Weekly
The judges said: ”This year’s winner has established an Employee Ownership Trust. The judges were impressed by their clear commitment to excellence across the business, combined with a strong culture that nurtures, motivates, and empowers their staff.”
Joss Croft OBE, CEO UKinbound, said: “Our industry continues to demonstrate extraordinary strength, creativity and resilience, and our Awards for Excellence recognise and celebrate the businesses and people that have made an outstanding contribution to the success and future of the UK’s inbound visitor economy. We are delighted to name Cashel Travel Tour Operator/DMC of the Year.”
The Awards for Excellence were presented during the association’s Annual Convention 2025, which was held in Manchester on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 February at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground.
The programme featured an influential line-up of speakers including a keynote address from Karen Blackett CBE and strategic update from VisitBritain CEO, Patricia Yates, alongside a practical AI session, market seminars, and full day of B2B meetings.
For further information, contact jc@casheltravel.com.
