The favourite holiday destinations and airlines for 2020 revealed at our Sun Travel Awards

THIS year has certainly been a difficult one for the travel industry, and one that no-one could have predicted.

Despite this, this year's Sun Travel Awards has revealed the favourite holiday destinations, the best airlines and travel companies- as voted for by you.

While this year's awards were conducted online, due to social distancing restrictions, the winners were announced following thousands of votes.

Here is the full list of winners for this year's awards.

Best country – Italy

For the first year, Italy took the top spot for the best country, with the destination welcoming Brits during the summer season.

• 2nd place – US
• 3rd place – Greece

Best cruise – Royal Caribbean

Having taken second place last year, the family-friendly cruise liner pipped the others to the top spot this year.

• 2nd place – Princess Cruises
• 3rd place – P&O

Best long haul operator – Virgin Holidays

A difficult year for tour operators, Sun favourite Virgin Holidays was awarded the best long haul operator this year.

• 2nd place – Kuoni
• Third place – Travelbag

Sun Travel Editor Award

The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot said: "This year I simply couldn’t single out one individual winner when the entire industry has been rocked to its foundations by the pandemic.

"So my award this year goes to you all. We have been forced to say good bye to many familiar faces as Coronavirus has decimated the industry we all love. We will miss them all.

"But I would like to pay tribute to all those who have worked tirelessly in the most difficult of circumstances – from travel agents and reps in resort through call centre workers and travel company stalwarts to the dear PRs I speak to weekly.

"I have seen just how you have taken on the challenge of all our lifetimes with determination, good humour and strength and I know each and every one of you deserves this award."

Best UK operator – Center Parcs

Family favourite Center Parcs took the top spot this year, just beating out Haven and Hoseasons.

• 2nd place – Haven
• 3rd place – Hoseasons

Best airline – Emirates

A difficult year for airlines, having struggled through this pandemic, Emirates was voted the best airline for 2020.

• 2nd place – British Airways
• 3rd place – Virgin Atlantic

Best short-haul operator – Jet2

Taking the top spot this year, just one of many operators having to deal with last-minute travel restrictions and quarantines, is Jet2.

• 2nd place – TUI
• 3rd place – Hays Travel

Sun Online Travel Editor Awards – Haven

Sun Online's Travel Editor Caroline McGuire said: "2020 was the year of the staycation, with millions of Brits rediscovering the joy of a trip to the British seaside.

"And thanks to social distancing, the humble caravan holiday became the No.1 holiday of choice for many families who usually opt for hotels abroad.

"It was a switch on such a huge scale – and with very little notice – that it took many businesses by surprise. Which is why I was so impressed by what this particular company had to offer, almost straight off the bat.

"Their new no frills holiday scheme, offering caravan breaks at a lower price but with no added extras, were exactly what so many families needed – and it meant they could over-deliver by adding frills when the government guidelines on hospitality finally became clear."

"The other systems that they put in place, from one-way routes around parks, timed check-ins and ‘sealed’ clean rooms were also among the first of their kind, and well thought-out to remove a lot of the stress that comes with travelling during the pandemic. 

"Sun Travel readers obviously think the same, as they voted them into second place in our UK operator category as well."

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