People who work in tourism across the Peak District and
Derbyshire - beavering hard behind the scenes to give customers a
five star experience - are set to take centre stage in a
prestigious awards scheme.
Entries are now being invited for the Excel Tourism Awards 2011,
co-ordinated by official tourist board Visit Peak District &
Derbyshire to showcase the efforts of outstanding individuals who
go the extra mile to offer top quality service.
Nominations can be submitted in ten categories:
• Outstanding Customer Care
• Young Manager of the Year
• Most Promising Student
• Most Promising Trainee
• Young Chef of the Year
• Event Planner of the Year
• Team of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Outstanding Contribution to Tourism
• Unsung hero
"We launched our Excel Tourism Awards last year to focus on
people, rather than the organisations they work for, and highlight
the high standards of excellence we have within our tourism
workforce - and they were extremely well received," said Jim
Oribine, Head of Industry Services at the tourist board.
"Tourism is a major player in the Derbyshire economy - worth
around £1.4 billion a year and employing more than 25,000
people - and our aim is to emphasize its significance by rewarding
those who strive to offer the best possible experience for
visitors.
"Our awards encourage businesses to invest in their workforce
through quality improvement, staff training and skills development
- and we hope they will spur on others to aspire to equally high
standards of service.
"Anyone can be considered - from unsung heroes and volunteers
who work quietly behind the scenes to high achievers making an
outstanding contribution to tourism - and anyone can make a
nomination.
"We hope as many people as possible will take this opportunity
to get in touch and tell us who they think should be recognized and
rewarded for the flair, dedication and sheer hard work they
contribute to tourism in our area."
Preparations are in the pipeline to stage a high-profile awards
event in March 2010. Nominations can be made by visiting
www.visitpeakdistrict.com/excel , downloading and completing a
nomination form, and e-mailing it or posting it to Lindsay Rae,
Quality and Business Development Manager at Visit Peak District
& Derbyshire, Crescent View, Hall Bank, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17
6EN, lindsay.rae@visitpeakdistrict.com. The closing date for
entries is Friday 4 February 2011.