TNT Golden Backpack Awards – the winners revealed

In a spectacular gala evening event at Shaka Zulu in London last night, 32 winners were announced with awards presented by TNT Multimedia Chairman Ken Hurst.

Scroll down for full list of winners – and see photos from the night here.

Voted by TNT readers via live and online campaigns, the accolades recognised tour operators, airlines, accommodation and transport providers who have shown outstanding commitment to the adventure, backpacking and youth travel market.

It’s the second time Golden Backpack Awards have been held in the UK – having been a huge success in Australia.

Winners included Busabout who along with sister companies Haggis Tours and Shamrocker scooped a total of 5 gongs, STA Travel, who were voted Favourite Travel Agent, Easyjet who bagged Favourite Short Haul Airline and Travel Talk, who were awarded Best Tour Itinerary.

The big winner of the night was Topdeck which scooped three awards for Favourite Ski / Winter Operator, favourite big tour operator, favourite tour operator in West Europe.

Travel service providers Excess Baggage and First Contact won Favourite Shipping Provider and Favourite Finance Support Provider respectively.

Intrepid Travel were voted Favourite Middle East Tour Operator as well as Favourite Medium-Sized Tour Operator. Adventure travel specialists Contiki won Favourite South America Tour Operator

TNT Editor Laura Chubb said: “This is the second year that we’ve held the Golden Backpack Awards in the UK and once again it’s been a huge success.

“The thing that makes these awards really count is that they’re voted for by the TNT readers. And who better to judge the best of the best in the travel industry than the people who actually go out and experience what these companies have to offer?

“It obviously means a lot to the winners, too, judging from the raucous reactions at the awards on the night! 

“Well done to everyone involved this year and we look forward to another great event in 2013.”