Travel Village Group is celebrating an exceptional achievement after Gillian Williams was named Cruise Expert of the Year at the TTG Travel Industry Awards 2026 – her third victory in just four years.
Gill, who operates Southport Cruise and Travel as part of the Travel Village Group, previously won the prestigious title in 2023 and 2025, making this her second consecutive victory and third overall.
The award was presented at The Roundhouse in London on 23 September 2026, as travel professionals and businesses from across the UK and Ireland came together for one of the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremonies.
“A true cruise expert in every sense”
Gill’s success follows another exceptional judging period in which she achieved outstanding sales results alongside an impressive 75% repeat booking rate.
TTG judges praised not only her commercial performance but the care and commitment she continues to show her customers.
They said:
“A true cruise expert in every sense, Gillian’s tenacious sales performance and exemplary service have seen her scoop this accolade once again.”
Judges also recognised the many ways Gill continues to develop both her business and her relationship with customers.
These included hosting a personal client appreciation event in Blackpool, running her own cruise show in the Southport area and co-hosting luxury cruises with Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen.
Her practical and accessible approach to discussing sustainability with customers was also singled out for praise.
Three titles in four years
Gill first won the award in 2023, before reclaiming the title in 2025.
Returning to The Roundhouse in 2026 as defending champion, she faced another strong shortlist of some of the UK’s leading cruise specialists before being announced as the winner once again.
Her husband Richard was there to support her on the night and had also played his own part in the judging process by producing the video submission presented to the panel.
Speaking following her latest win, Gill said:
“I honestly can’t believe I’ve won Cruise Expert of the Year for a third time. To have won in 2023, 2025 and now again in 2026 is incredibly special, and I’m so proud.
“I absolutely love what I do and I’m incredibly passionate about cruising. For me, it’s all about getting to know my customers, understanding what they want from their holiday and using my experience to help create something really special for them.
“I couldn’t have achieved this without my amazing customers and the fantastic team around me at Southport Cruise and Travel and the Travel Village Group. I’m incredibly grateful for their support.”
Celebrating excellence across Travel Village Group
For Travel Village Group, Gill’s latest win is another proud moment for the fourth-generation family business.
Established in 1959, the Group includes The Travel Village, The Holiday Village, Southampton Cruise Centre and RiverCruising.co.uk, with specialists across the business helping customers plan holidays around the world.
Travel Village Group CEO Phil Nuttall said:
“Winning an award like this once is an incredible achievement. To do it three times speaks volumes about Gill, the relationships she has built with her customers and the standards she sets for herself every single day.
“We are immensely proud of her. Gill represents so much of what Travel Village Group is about – knowledge, passion, entrepreneurship and genuinely caring about the people who trust us with their holidays.
“Three wins in four years is something very special indeed.”
Gill added:
“Every booking is personal to the customer, and I never take that trust for granted. To be recognised for doing something I genuinely love is a fantastic feeling.”
Congratulations Gill – three-time TTG Cruise Expert of the Year.
