Entries close on Friday March 20 for the 2026 Business Travel People Awards, with three new categories this year.
Now in their 15th year, the Business Travel People Awards celebrate the industry’s finest talent at all stages of a career and across all business travel sectors.
Categories are designed to recognise those working in frontline or back-office functions who might not otherwise have the chance to shine.
Entries can come from line managers, colleagues, clients or from the applicants themselves.
These prestigious awards celebrate individuals and teams in business travel whose professionalism and business excellence make them stand out from their peers.
Unlike other awards, they recognise the achievements of the people in the industry, rather than the companies or brands.
Nominations can come from individuals and teams based in the UK or overseas.
Finalists will be announced towards the end of May and winners will be presented with their awards at an evening ceremony on Tuesday September 15 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London’s Covent Garden.
Sponsors already confirmed for this year are Direct Travel as Gold sponsor, Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines as Ruby sponsors, plus Bronze sponsors Inntel, United Airlines, Domo, SAP Concur, Blacklane, South Western Railway, Situ and Sirius.
New for this year, the Sales and Marketing category has been split into two separate categories – Sales Champion(s) and Marketing Champion(s) to recognise individuals or teams working in these roles.
A new award has been added, Travel Manager/Travel Team of the Year, recognising a travel manager or travel team excelling in their role and achieving significant, positive change within their organisation and/or the wider industry through dedication, innovation and strong leadership.
The Industry Newcomer of the Year, new for 2025, is back this year and once again, the recipient of the prestigious Industry Contribution Award will be chosen by the Judging Panel and will not require a submission.
Alongside the 20 categories, a Chair’s Award will be chosen from across all of the categories by the Chair of the Judges Panel, Leigh Cowlishaw.
All nominations must be backed up with evidence, such as videos or written testimonials from clients, partners or peers, and this will account for a third of the overall score.
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kirsty Hicks, Publisher of The Business Travel Magazine, at kirsty.hicks@bmipublishing.co.uk.
