Local cruise holiday expert sails to victory at TTG Travel Industry Awards 2025

Andrew Brown
3 Min Read
The Travel Industry Awards by TTG 2025. Cruise Expert Of The Year, Matt Roclawksi, TTG, Nicola McNeish, Celebrity Cruise, Gilllian Williams, Travel Village Group and Dermot O'Leary. Photography by Steve Dunlop www.stevedunlop.com

The travel industry is rich with awards that celebrate the dedication of professionals who make holidays around the world possible.

One of the most prestigious events, the TTG Travel Industry Awards 2025, was held at London’s iconic Roundhouse and proved a resounding success for Gillian Williams. 

As a Cruise Expert at Travel Village Group, Gillian was named Cruise Agent of the Year.

Gillian’s career is filled with highlights, from regularly sailing with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen on Uniworld’s stylish itineraries to being chosen as godmother of Emerald Radiance. 

Her passion for both ocean and river cruising is remarkable, and her commitment to her customers and the industry set her apart from her competitors. 

The TTG judges praised her, saying: “Gillian embodies everything this award represents. While improving year-on-year on already tremendous sales performance, it was her unwavering dedication to customer care that won the day.” 

Reflecting on the win, Gillian said: “I still can’t quite believe it! It’s so lovely to be recognised and I was telling my customers beforehand, ‘I won’t win, but don’t worry, I’ll be fine.’ I was just thrilled to make it to the final stage – but now I can go back and tell them I actually won! 

“For me it is all about the job itself. I love helping people, I love my relationship with my customers, I love my relationship with the trade partners and I am just so grateful.” 

The TTG Travel Industry Awards are a highlight of the UK travel calendar, drawing over 800 guests to honour the very best agents, suppliers, and innovators in travel. Hosted by TV favourite Dermot O’Leary, the evening was a glittering celebration of those who go above and beyond for their customers. 

Among the proud supporters in attendance was Travel Village Group CEO Phil Nuttall, who joined Gillian to celebrate her outstanding achievement. 

Phil said: “I know how much this means to Gill, she has dedicated her travel career to her guests by creating memories and making dreams come true. 

“To be with her on the night she received her award was an extremely proud moment for me and my wife Paula. 

“Gill understands the significance of being part of a 4th generation family business and the values we hold dear, that’s a huge part of her success.” 

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