We were delighted to announce the winners of the UKinbound Awards for Excellence 2018 at the Annual Convention Gala Dinner in Glasgow on 7 February.
Taking place at the Glasgow City Chambers, the awards were presented by Glaswegian comedian and TV presenter Des Clarke in front nearly 300 guests. A panel of independent judges – Kurt Janson, Tourism Alliance; Cheryl McCain, Tourism Society; and Dr. Karen Thomas, Canterbury Christ Church University – compiled the shortlist following a round of self-nominations from members companies, and the final winners were voted for by the membership.
The UKinbound Awards for Excellence 2018 winners are:
Tour Operator of the Year: Angela Shanley Associates
Individual Attraction of the Year: The Beatles Story
Accommodation Provider of the Year: glh Hotels
Destination Marketing Organisation of the Year: Experience Oxfordshire
Service Provider of the Year – Transport & Sightseeing: Evan Evans
Service Provider of the Year – Restaurant, Retail & Ticketing: Azzurri Group
Service Provider of the Year – Professional Services: TravelBeat
Regional Member of the Year: Tourism South East
Former Chairman Mark McVay presented his final Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism to Tristram Yarde-Leavett, Managing Director of Tourwise of London.
Mark McVay commented, “Tristram has worked for Tourwise for over 30 years, during which time he has been tirelessly dedicated to the tourism industry. During his 20 years as Operations Director and then 11 years as Managing Director, Tristram has helped shape Tourwise into one of the biggest operators in the long-haul English-speaking market. Dedicated, hard-working and a charming negotiator, Tristram and his team and highly regarded throughout the industry. He is a very deserving winner of this award.”
We were also delighted to announce two joint winners of the inaugural UKinbound Young Excellence Awards – James Berry from MBNA Thames Clippers, and Ryan Sanders from Brunel’s SS Great Britain. Both 21, James and Ryan were named joint winners after showing fantastic initiative, positive attitudes and a great dedication to their roles. Please click here to read their full stories.
CEO Joss Croft commented, “James and Ryan’s stories are incredibly inspiring and we’re very proud to name them joint winners of our inaugural Young Excellence Award. They’ve both shown a passion for customer service, great initiative and a willingness to learn and develop their skills.”
