22/03/2018 - Double Delight for Bakers Dolphin at Top Industry Awards
Large Coach Tour Operator of the Year and Coach Tour Driver of the Year Award
West Country-based coach company Bakers Dolphin enjoyed double delight at the hottest and most prestigious night of the coach tourism calendar.
The firm scooped the coveted Large Coach Tour Operator of the Year title at the prestigious British Coach Tourism Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of the British coach tourism industry.
Michael Blowers, who has been with Bakers Dolphin since 2008, won the Coach Tour Driver of the Year Award.
More than 400 industry professionals and guests from across the tourism community attended a glittering gala event last night (March 21st) at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, at the end of the first day of the British Tourism and Travel Show.
The crème de la crème of coach tourism came together to celebrate excellence and innovation at the evening, which was hosted by popular broadcaster Angela Rippon CBE.
Bakers Dolphin was nominated for four awards, Large Coach Tour Operator, Coach Driver of the Year, Holiday Programme and Day Excursion Programme.
A panel of expert judges examined the entries against strict criteria before naming the winners.
Max Fletcher, Managing Director of Bakers Dolphin, said: “We’re thrilled to have won these two top industry awards.
“We were extremely proud to be shortlisted in four categories and to come away with two awards really is something very special.
“We were up against some fantastic other businesses in these awards, which showcase to the rest of the world how important the coach tourism industry is and just how good coach holidays can be.
“Our success is a testament to the amazing team we have at Bakers Dolphin, and that team’s commitment to provide the best possible experience for everyone who steps on board one of our coaches.
“The coach tourism industry is becoming ever more sophisticated, and customers now expect a lot more for their money. These awards suggest that Bakers Dolphin is delivering, and we will continue to work hard to provide the best experience possible for our customers.”
For the Large Coach Tour Operator category, the judges were looking for a company with more than 15 tour coaches, that that demonstrates a commitment to quality, innovation and training, and has an excellent industry reputation, but also examples of how it has developed/enhanced its product over the last year.
For the driver category, the judges looked at third party testimonials, from passengers, employers and clients, that demonstrate a clear commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
Michael Blowers discovered a love for coach driving while working as a driving instructor. He said: “Being a coach driver is an absolutely fascinating job where no two days are the same. It really suits someone who loves driving, and loves getting on with people.”
Bakers Dolphin, which has been providing coach trips for people in the region for over 128 years.
The firm offers hundreds of holiday tours around the UK and the continent, a wide selection of day trips and also provides regular daily coach services for schools in the region. The firm also offers coaches for private hire to businesses, groups, schools, clubs, and private individuals.
For more information, visit www.bakersdolphin.com