Humanitarian Terry Waite captivated a full ballroom Tuesday evening at the 10th annual GT Tested Awards gala. Waite, a former hostage negotiator who spent nearly five years in captivity in Lebanon—many of them in solitary confinement—during the late 1980s and early 1990s, spoke with deep feeling about the lessons he learned and the transformative power of forgiveness.
Leaders from across the travel industry—representing airlines, hotels, and travel-related goods and services—gathered to accept awards voted on by the discerning readers of Global Traveler. The gala, held at The Peninsula Beverly Hills, also launched Global Traveler’s annual auction benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Numerous GT Tested Award winners contributed items to the auction, with bidding scheduled to begin March 1.
The evening combined recognition of industry excellence with a philanthropic focus, highlighting the community’s commitment to supporting medical research and patient services. Attendees praised both the quality of the award recipients and the significance of the fundraiser, noting that the auction creates a meaningful opportunity for industry members and readers to give back.
Terry Waite’s remarks provided a poignant counterpoint to the celebratory elements of the night. Drawing on his personal ordeal, he reflected on resilience, compassion, and the importance of maintaining human dignity under the most trying circumstances. His message emphasized how forgiveness and empathy can aid recovery and foster reconciliation—values that resonated with the audience and underscored the humanitarian thread running through the evening’s activities.
Event organizers underscored the dual purpose of the gala: to honor outstanding service and innovation within travel while raising funds for a cause that affects countless families. The partnership with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society aligned the industry’s spotlight with an established charity, bringing greater awareness to the organization’s mission and the ongoing need for donor support.
Winners from a range of categories celebrated their recognition, accepting awards on behalf of teams whose dedication and expertise contribute to travelers’ experiences worldwide. The awards reflected both long-standing brands and innovative newcomers, demonstrating the industry’s dynamic mix of tradition and progress.
Beyond the presentations and speeches, the evening featured networking opportunities that allowed attendees to connect, share ideas, and explore future collaborations. Many participants noted the value of gathering in person to acknowledge achievements, exchange perspectives, and strengthen professional relationships.
As the auction portion of the initiative began, interest among guests and supporters grew. Contributions from award winners included exclusive items and experiences designed to attract enthusiastic bidding, with proceeds earmarked for patient support services and research efforts through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Overall, the 10th annual GT Tested Awards gala blended celebration with charity, delivering an evening that honored travel industry excellence while promoting a meaningful cause. Terry Waite’s compelling testimony added emotional depth to the event, reminding attendees of the enduring power of forgiveness and the human capacity for hope and recovery.