The 2020 British Coach Tourism Awards finalists have been unveiled, revealing the best coach tour operators and coach-friendly businesses.
A diverse panel of eight judges, drawing on a wealth of experience across the coach tourism sector, came together last week to decide which of another exceptional selection of entries have made it as Awards finalists.
With experience across tourist boards, trade bodies, destinations, tour operators, attractions, cross-sea operators, ticket agents, group organisers, and most importantly, coach operations – the panel have in-depth and practical knowledge about what makes a winner.
Says Ian Jefferies, Director of Visit By Coach, “There was some exceptional entries to this year’s awards, displaying understanding of group travel needs and how to gain the best value from this important resource. Many entries showed great innovation in their approach to group travel which makes them stand out in such a busy market. Group travel is an important player within the tourism industry and these awards have highlighted not only the value of the coach sector, but also the commitment to quality and forward thinking from many within it”.
Says Steve Whiteway of S.R. Whiteway & Son, soon to be the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s Chairman for a third time; “The quality of entries was outstanding, making the judging an ever more exacting process to determine Awards finalists and a winner in each category.”
Such is the competition this year, a new Award was formed during the judging process – separating History & Heritage attractions from others in the highly contested Coach Friendly Attraction category.
This brings the total number of categories to 19, including the anticipated British Coach Tourism Recognition Award, which will be presented by the judges in recognition of outstanding services to coach tourism. It is the only category not open to entries and is, instead, decided between the judges based on who deserves special recognition for their industry commitment.
The winners in all categories will remain under wraps until the presentation evening, taking place in March 2020.
The Awards finalists are…
Coach Friendly Destination
- Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Tourism (BCP Tourism)
- Burnham-on-Sea
- Southport
- Otley
- Wells, Somerset
Coach Friendly Attraction
In partnership with Beverley, East Yorkshire
- Aerospace Bristol
- Emirates Spinnaker Tower
- Land Rover Experience Solihull
- Oswaldtwistle Mills Shopping Village & Garden Centre
- RHS Gardens
- The Royal Mint Experience
Coach Friendly Attraction (History & Heritage) *New for 2020*
In partnership with Beverley, East Yorkshire
- Bletchley Park Trust
- Castle Howard
- Hever Castle & Gardens
- Swanage Railway
- Warwick Castle
Coach Friendly Guided Tour *New for 2020*
- Bletchley Park Trust
- Canterbury Tourist Guides
- Culloden Battlefield
- Holkham
- Land Rover Experience Solihull
- The Royal Mint Experience
Cross-Sea Carrier
In partnership with Action Tours
- DFDS
- Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
- P & O Ferries
River and Inland Cruise Operator
In partnership with DFDS
- City Cruises (Poole)
- Floating Grace
- Forth Boat Tours
- Plymouth Boat Trips
- Stuart Line Cruises
Accommodation Provider (Independent Hotel)
In partnership with City & Village Tours
- Beaufort Park Hotel, Mold
- Mill Rythe Holiday Village, Hayling Island
- Rendezvous Hotel, Skipton
Accommodation Provider (Hotel Groups)
In partnership with Albatross Travel
- Almarose Hotels & Resorts
- Best Western Hotels & Resorts GB
- Hilton
- Leisureplex Holiday Hotels
Coach Tourism Industry Supplier
In partnership with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
- Advantage Now
- Encore Tickets
- ITO Tours B.V.
- Roeville Reservation Software
Tour Wholesaler
In partnership with Planet Hollywood and The View from The Shard
- Action Tours
- Albatross Travel
- Ashley & Newey
- Greatdays Travel Group
- Hospitality Line
- Norman Allen Group Travel
Holiday Programme
In partnership with Distinctive Systems
- Acklams Coaches
- Jones International
- Kirbys Coaches
- Leisuretime (Wales)
- Skills Holidays
- Woods Travel, Bognor Regis
Day Excursion Programme
In partnership with P&O Ferries
- Exley’s Travel
- Gardiners NMC
- IC Travel
- Kirbys Coaches
- Skills Holidays
- Woods Travel, Bognor Regis
Coach Tour Operator Social Media Campaign *New for 2020*
In partnership with John Hill Coach Sales & Services
- Harry Shaw
- Johnsons Coaches
- Jones International
Coach Tourism Professional of the Year
In partnership with Continuum Attractions
- Barry Cobb, Johnsons Coaches
- Martin Slater, Greatdays Travel Group
- Steven Scott, Ashley & Newey
Coach Tour Driver of the Year
In partnership with Roadchef Motorways
- Andy Hinks, Lucketts Travel
- Bradley Lowson, Masons Minibus & Coach Hire
- Damon Kiss, Dunwood Travel
- To be announced, Alfa Travel
Coach Tour Operator – Small Fleet (1-5 Coaches)
In partnership with City Cruises
- Black’s of Brechin
- ICT Coaches
- Jones International
- Masons Minibus & Coach Hire
Coach Tour Operator – Medium Fleet (6-15 Coaches)
In partnership with Warner Leisure
- Acklams Coaches
- Dunwood Travel
- Kirbys Coaches
- Woods Travel, Bognor Regis
Coach Tour Operator – Large Fleet (more than 15 coaches)
In partnership with Wrightsure Insurance Services
- Alfa Travel
- Edwards Coaches
- Johnsons Coaches
The British Coach Tourism Recognition Award
In partnership with Hilton
The ultimate celebration of coach tourism
The only night of its kind – dedicated to the thriving coach tourism sector – returns to the art deco surroundings of the National Motorcycle Museum on 25 March 2020, following the first day of the British Tourism & Travel Show.
Bringing together every corner of the coach tourism community, the Awards are renowned for vibrant entertainment, excellent three-course dining, networking opportunities – and of course, presentation of the highly coveted Awards.
Tickets for the black-tie event are selling fast, so don’t miss your chance to book!
Tickets are £125 + VAT, available from britishcoachawards.co.uk
A limited number of partnership opportunities are available. Contact Sally Eyre for more information.
