16/04/2018 - More Award Nominations for South West Travel Experts
Bakers Dolphin shortlisted for awards at British Coach Tourism Awards
The excitement of winning two gongs at the prestigious British Coach Tourism Awards has barely worn off for South West travel company Bakers Dolphin, and now the firm has been shortlisted for more awards at upcoming industry celebrations.
Bakers Dolphin, based in Weston-super-Mare and operating across the West Country, has been shortlisted for the Coach Marketing Award at the 10th annual UK Coach Awards, for its innovative Safer School Coach Travel campaign.
The campaign was aimed at addressing concerns that local schools were hiring coach travel suppliers which don’t follow the correct rigorous tests and safety procedures. At the centre of the campaign was a video explaining why schools should always book with a reputable coach operator, which was sent to key Chairman of Governors in the area. The campaign opened dialogue with a number of schools and received a favourable reaction from local authorities.
Amanda Harrington, Bakers Dolphin Sales and Marketing Director, said: “We really wanted to encourage safety on school transport. We provide transport for more than 100 schools across the West of England and felt it was important to support local governors and teachers with safer travel initiatives.
“We know money is tight for them but we wanted to show the value of using reputable coach operators. We carry out rigorous checks on vehicles, and adhere to high standards. Operators like ourselves invest in things like CCTV and telematics to ensure every aspect of travel is monitored.”
Bakers Dolphin has also been shortlisted in the Broadmead BID Retailers Awards in the Service/Leisure Provider category, for its Bristol City Centre shop.
The shortlist was compiled following a mystery shopping programme where customer service was evaluated.
The Retailer Awards will be presented by the Lord Mayor on Tuesday 24 April at The New Room in Broadmead while the results of the UK Coach Awards will be announced at a ceremony attended by hundreds of industry professionals on Thursday 10 May in Blackpool.
Amanda continued: “We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for both the UK Coach Awards and the Retailer Awards. It shows the many facets of our business and we’re very proud that both our customer service and our commitment to safety has been recognised.
“Our Bristol shop, together with our Weston-super-Mare shop, provides a place for customers to speak face-to-face with travel experts while benefitting from the very best deals in coach, air and cruise travel.
“Our shops also specialise in supplying top seats for West End shows and concerts across the UK, with return coach travel included.
“We’re thoroughly looking forward to both award ceremonies and would like to thank our customers for their continued support.”
For more information about Bakers Dolphin and its shops and services visit www.bakersdolphin.com