GNER has been named the best rail operator in Britain at the inaugural British Travel Awards held in London.

Travel trade professionals nationwide voted for their favourite rail operator via travel industry websites, publications, mailshots and e-broadcasts. Jonathan Metcalfe, chief executive, GNER, said: “We are delighted to win this award. It is a tribute to the dedication and hard work of GNER employees, who take pride in delivering consistently high standards of customer service.”

GNER consistently achieves high passenger satisfaction scores.   In the latest independent National Passenger Survey, carried out by Passenger Focus, GNER achieved its best-ever satisfaction rating of 90 per cent. GNER’s new-look ‘Mallard’ electric trains, improved performance and innovations in technology have contributed to high levels of passenger satisfaction.

The British Travel Awards celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement in the British travel, hospitality and tourism industry.   Award winners in 100 different categories are chosen through a combination of travel industry and consumer voting and a panel of experts.

‘The Top 100 Travel Companies’ supplement based on the winners of the British Travel Awards 2006 will be distributed with The Sunday Times in January.