At its annual convention at the Ashford International Hotel, Ashford Kent, UKinbound announced its annual awards for 2005. The awards were presented by…
At its annual convention at the Ashford International Hotel, Ashford Kent, UKinbound announced its annual awards for 2005. The awards were presented by Malcolm Moss MP, Shadow Minister for Tourism as follows:
UKinbound Tour Operator of the Year
Winner: European Travel Services
The award was presented to Jim Brown, Managing Director.
London based European Travel Services was founded in 1987 and is one of the UK’s leading inbound destination management companies.
Jim Brown, Managing Director, European Travel Services said: “We are delighted to receive this award from UKinbound. 2005 was a difficult year for all of us and it is therefore particularly gratifying that we should be voted this award. I am grateful to all our partners and suppliers you have helped us achieve the success we have.”
Angela Shanley, UKinbound Chairman, said: “European Travel Services provides outstanding customer care over a range of excellent services and this is a very well deserved reward. I wish them continuing success for 2006.”
UKinbound Hotel of the Year
Winner: The London Hilton Metropole
The award was presented to Katia Sadchikova, Assistant Director of Sales.
The London Hilton Metropole is one of London`s premier 4 star hotels one of Europe`s largest hotels. Hilton Hotels has spent £120 million over the past four years upgrading its 1,058 bedrooms and improving the 3000 delegate conference facilities to create a top class convention, corporate and leisure hotel in the heart of London.
Avner On, General Manager of the London Hilton Metropole said “I am very proud to accept this very prestigious award presented to us by UKinbound. We are delighted that our clients recognise the importance of the leisure industry to this hotel and its dedicated team who constantly strive to achieve the `Hilton Customer Experience`. I would like to thank all our customers who have supported us over the years.”
On presenting the award, Angela Shanley, UKinbound Chairman, said: “As one of London’s largest hotels with extensive conference facilities the team at the London Hilton Metropole face huge challenges in maintaining customer satisfaction. They have not only proved it is possible to maintain quality service in a high volume operation but are now setting the standard for others.”
UKinbound Attraction of the Year
Winner: St Paul’s Cathedral
The award was presented to Mark McVay, Director of Marketing and PR.
St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic part of London’s skyline and has been a visitor attraction since it was built almost 300 years ago. Currently undergoing an historic £40 million programme of cleaning and repair, it is now the dazzling centrepiece of our capital.
On receiving the award, Mark McVay, Director of Marketing & PR said: “We are delighted to receive this award. It means a tremendous amount to us and is a reflection of the fantastic support we receive from our colleagues at UKinbound.”
Angela Shanley, UKinbound Chairman, said: “This award recognises the tremendous work the St Paul’s Team have done in restoring the Cathedral and now developing it as a mainstream tourist attraction. St Paul’s is now a must see attraction for any visitor to London.”
New Award
This year UKinbound have introduced a new Award to recognise organisations who, in the opinion of the Chairman, have made an exceptional contribution to the association or to inbound tourism. It may be awarded for a single achievement or for consistent success over a period of time.
UKinbound Chairman’s Special Achievement Award
Winner: The Original Tour
The award was presented to Joanna Bachelor, International Sales Manager.
The Original Tour has been providing open top bus tours to London’s visitors for 55 years and in 2005 enhanced its reputation as a market leader by investing over £1.6 million in a new fleet of specially designed open top vehicles. This new fleet of tour buses not only helps the environment by exceeding all planned and current emissions standards but also offers unparalleled accessibility with, for the first time, dedicated spaces for wheelchair users.
Colin Atkins, Commercial Director said “It’s great to be first yet again. We are proud to have been the first company in the world to offer a product of this kind, the first to engage with the inbound travel trade and now we are thrilled to be the first UKinbound member to receive the Chairman’s Special Achievement Award”.
Angela Shanley, UKinbound Chairman, said “I am delighted that the inaugural award goes to a company that has been providing services for visitors to London since the Festival of Britain in 1951. Today, while much imitated around the world, it has maintained its commitment to providing visitors to London with the best possible tourist experience.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
