07 June 2010

Double award for West Country coach operator

West Country coach tour operator Bakers Dolphin has achieved a unique first after clinching two industry “Oscars” in the Coach Tourism Awards.

Bakers Dolphin, which has its headquarters in Weston-super-Mare, picks up holidaymakers from throughout Bristol and the South West for touring holidays in the UK and abroad.

They were voted to have the best UK Holiday Programme of any coach operator in the country and Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Harrington won Tourism Director of the Year.

Bakers Dolphin, which has a history dating back to the 19th century, was also nominated in categories for Brochure of the Year, Coach Tour Operator of the Year and European Coach Holiday programme.

Driver Richard Peach was shortlisted in the Coach Drivers’ Club Driver of the Year Award, putting him in the top seven in the country.

Amanda Harrington, who accepted the awards at a special ceremony in The Holiday Inn, Stratford-upon-Avon said: “It was a complete shock to get the individual award and it is amazing to discover that we are the first company ever to win two awards in one year.

“We have seen huge changes in the industry over the last year with the challenges of the recession and rising fuel prices and travel affected by everything from severe snow to volcano ash.

“We are pleased that we have a loyal band of regular travellers with us and we try to put on the best programme of tours we can to give them value for money, fun and interesting places to visit.

“We have also seen more people turning to coach holidays when there have been problems with air travel and they are realising what terrific value coach touring can be and re-booking with us for second holidays and day’s out.”

Photo: Amanda Harrington (third from left) receives her award from Kelly Charles, senior group sales executive of Ascot Racecourse, who sponsored the category, watched by Stuart Render, editor of Coach Monthly and awards hostess Paris.