Most of the holiday companies that top our awards table were started over the kitchen table. Liz Bird meets the couples behind your favourite tour firms.
Address: Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa, Lord Byron's Walk, Seaham, County Durham SR7 7AG
The best in the business 2004
Our awards remain the best measure of attitudes to the travel industry because they are a direct result of the experiences of thousands of well-informed consumers.
Inspired choice
Ros Taylor, who writes a weekly column reviewing travel websites, casts her eye over the winner of the Best Tour Operator Website in this year's travel awards.