Wightlink win an award at the 2011 UK Coach Awards

Coach travel organisations and individuals are celebrating today with the news that they have walked away with five major categories in the prestigious 2011 UK Coach Awards.

Over 60 individuals, companies and organisations from across the UK coach and coach tourism industry were recognised and rewarded for their excellence and good practice at the Belmont International UK Coach Awards, which took place on Thursday 7th April at Manchester’s famous Piccadilly Hotel.

Amongst the prize-winners were coach operators and coach drivers who were nominated by group travel organisers and other industry customers from around the country.

Wightlink claimed the Best Coach Industry Suppier Sea Crossing Award, which was collected by Ian Winn, Sales Director, and John Bright, Sales Support Manager.

Medway Council was named Most Coach Friendly local authority in recognition of its outstanding service at Rochester and Chatham.

Meanwhile Go-Ahead subsidiary the Brighton and Hove Bus & Coach Company won the top award for Coach Marketing for its campaign to promote their coach fleet and excursions programme.

Mary Sewell of Medway Council was named Winner in the Unsung Heroes category in recognition of her work in supporting the industry. UKCA director Chris Cheek said, “Our aim is to recognise the hard work, dedication and professionalism of a whole range of people and organisations involved in coach tourism around the country."

There was also a Winners award for Larkfield, Kent based Door2Tour.com of in the Industry Support Solution category in recognition of their high standards in the delivery of essential support services to coach operators.

"The judges were really impressed,” added Chris Cheek. “There's some really clever thinking and innovation going on all over the country – delivering what matters: better products and better trips for our customers. Whether it's using the internet and other new media or just thinking things through, people really are working very hard, and thoroughly deserve the recognition that the UK Coach Awards delivered on Thursday night.”