Lake District-based Mountain Goat was crowned Sightseeing Operator of the Year at the UKinbound Awards for Excellence event in Belfast last Thursday.
The tour operator, which operates a fleet of minibuses from the Lakes, Yorkshire and North Wales, was selected from the self-nominated contenders by a panel of experts assembled by the travel trade association, which solely focuses on the UK in-bound sector.
More than 350 tourism and hospitality professionals saw Mountain Goat Group Sales and Marketing Manager Asia Connor accept the award.
Asia says: “We are delighted to have won the Sightseeing Operator of the Year Award at the prestigious UKInbound Awards Ceremony.
“The whole team at Mountain Goat are thrilled to be recognised for this award. It wouldn’t be possible without our fantastic customers, driver-guides, office, and garage team. We are so grateful for all the support we receive.”
Mountain Goat celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.
The independent judges were Kurt Janson, former Director of The Tourism Alliance; Jason Edwards, owner of Jason Edwards Travel; and Dr Karen Thomas, Tourism and Events Director at the Research Hub, Canterbury Christ Church University.
Joss Croft OBE, UKinbound Chief Executive Officer, adds: “Last year, our inbound tourism industry saw over 31 million visits from international tourists to the UK, who spent over £26 billion and our Awards for Excellence are a great opportunity to reward and celebrate the industry.
“Our members who work for businesses such as major attractions, tour operators, transport and accommodation providers have all worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months and made a significant contribution to the continuing success of the sector. We are delighted to name Mountain Goat as Sightseeing Operator of the Year.”
