Thank you to all who voted in 2008. It was great to see how heartfelt the nominations were, and how big a part the tour leader clearly plays in the success of your holidays.

Frankly, any of the 16 shortlisted Tour Leaders for 2008 had the right to win something, and there were many others who could easily have been included on the shortlist.

It’s tough choosing; each of the runners up in the Local Knowledge category, for instance, had a strong enough hand to scoop up the Respect for Local People category as well. And how about the moral dilemma of weighing up a newcomer who's had exceptional feedback in his first year, against a veteran who's been an ambassador for his country for some 27 years? The truth is that to even reach the last 16 is a remarkable achievement.

Each individual within this élite group deserves the highest recognition and our sincere thanks. You truly are a credit to us.

Overall Winner: Chris Siviter (UK)

Chris fell in love with Belize several years ago and has settled there with his young family. His local knowledge ranging from ornithology, and botany to food and current affairs - and the way he imparts it - are second to none; and his ability to greet locals in fluent Creole, Spanish or English make him exceptionally popular locally. "I love those misty mornings in exotic places. Talking with the animals, volcanoes for breakfast, and lost city sunsets! I have led tours for more than 8 years in Europe, Africa and the Americas, and I simply love what I do; if variety is the spice of life then this job has seen me winter in Timbuktu and summer in the Arctic, take chai with the Tuareg and banter in Berber! People, places, the smiling faces of children. A leader, a guide, a waiter, a washer, a plumber, a bird watcher... the tour leader lifestyle!"

Tours led include Lost Cities of the Cloud People, Peru Inca Trail, Discover Belize

Winner, Organisational Skills: Pascale Suter (UK)

When the feedback from your local agents is as glowing as Pascale's, you know you have a tour leader who just gets on with the job. Having dealt with strikes in West Bengal, sudden weather changes in the Azores and other crises, her organisation skills shone through, with any logistical or booking issues sorted effortlessly, ensuring that the tours would run smoothly. 'My friends think it crazy to go up the same mountain ten times or see the Serengeti Migration half a dozen times, but each time it's a completely different experience, and each time it's more amazing. And to get up for work and to see the daybreak with the sun come up over the Himalayas, is too incredible for words!'

Tours led include Azores Island Hopping, Sikkim & Singalila Trek, Inside the Hidden Kingdom

Winner, Respect for Local People: Diego Torres (Ecuador)

Diego is clearly an ambassador for his country. The generous feedback outlining his rapport, respect and passion for his country, the culture and the people confirm this. He is very passionate about sustainable tourism and active in collaborating with our agents and local suppliers to ensure best practice and fair conditions for all. "Tour Leading is the road I have chosen because I love to get contact with nature and local people. Responsible Tourism for me is not a choice, but the main rule to make this game fair."

Tours include Ecuatoriana & the Galapagos, Volcanoes & Galapagos, Andes & Galapagos - a Family Adventure in Ecuador, Incas, Amazonia & the Galapagos

Winner, Local Knowledge Tolga Kanik (Turkey)

Tolga has a background in wilderness rescue and considerable experience in dealing with environmental extremes.
But what shines through his many nominations is an outstanding local knowledge and the fact that no questions go unanswered. "Having become an Explore tour leader in 2005," writes Tolga, "I experience more and more of the natural and historical treasures of my country - from the vast glaciers of Ararat to the frescoes of the troglodyte churches in Cappadocia. I am proud of my beautiful country and it is an honour to introduce all its aspects to my fellow travellers."

Tours led include Kackar & Ararat Trek, High Taurus Trek, Hidden Trails of Cappadocia

Winner, People Skills: Maxwell Wood (UK)

Gentle in nature and always putting customers first, Max is always being referred to as one of the most amiable Tour Leaders we have on the road. This caring personality makes his rapport with the locals and the ground staff easy and smooth - a quality that comes through in his feedback. "I consider myself lucky to have a job that's enabled me to discover new places and revisit the ones I love too. The ability to meet such diverse people and understand different cultures in such depth is a privilege."

Tours led include Cuba Libre!, Kilimanjaro - Marangu Trek, Best of Italy, Central American Explorer

The finalist in each category won a prize of £500 - with 50% going to a charity of their own choice. The overall winner picked up £1000 - again, with £250 given to a charity.