57 individuals and organisations across 18 categories covering the whole range of coaching and coach tourism activities wait with baited breath until the awards presentation evening on April 19
The delivery of high standards of customer service was recognised in the shortlist for the 2012 UK Coach Awards, announced on Saturday (February 25) during the Great Days Out fair at Event City in Manchester.
A total of 57 individuals and organisations are on the list, across 18 categories covering the whole range of coaching and coach tourism activities.
“We were once again very pleased indeed with the response we received from the industry and its customers,” said UKCA chairman Allan Edmondson. “For the third year running, over 200 nominations were submitted for the various award categories, from customers who’ve responded to our appeal to tell us about their experience of quality service and warm welcomes.”
The UK Coach Awards approach can be summarised as ‘Nominated by customers, judged by experts’. This means customers nominate people and organisations in a range of categories who in their view deliver the best service. These nominations are then subject to expert scrutiny, including mystery shopping where possible, and consideration by a panel of expert judges.
“Our aim then is to tell the world about those who are delivering excellence. That way we can promote coach travel and coach tourism to a wider public as well as inspiring others in the industry to emulate the best practice we’ve identified,” explained UKCA director Jamie Cash.
Coach operators have been selected by the judges from the nominations submitted by group organisers and other customers from around the country.
The twelve names who will go head to head for the UK Coach Operator of the Year prize include some of the country’s biggest operators such as Kings Ferry, Johnsons and Woods, but also small and medium-size family businesses dotted around the regions.
