Isle of Wight ferry firm Wightlink has said it is "thrilled" after being crowned the best ferry operator in the UK.

The company has been awarded gold at the British Travel Awards 2023.

Across all categories, more than a million and a half customers cast votes based on their own experiences. 

Wightlink chief executive, Keith Greenfield, said: “Thank you to everyone who voted for us.

 “We are thrilled to receive this award, especially as it’s the only contest where winners are solely decided by votes from customers. 

“I want to pay tribute to all my colleagues for their outstanding customer service every day which ensures our excellent reliability in all weathers."

The gold follows a silver award for Wightlink in the 2021/22 event.

This year, Brittany Ferries took silver and P&O Ferries were awarded bronze.. 

BTA director of events and partnerships, Lorraine Barnes Burton, said the win is a "true achievement.” 

She said: “Wightlink is to be sincerely congratulated on the achievement in winning gold for best ferry operator for routes from/to UK ports.  

“Ultimately it is the travelling public who decide the winners by voting for the travel companies they consider the best in the business."