Pictured: Chief Executive David James
Mainstays of the local tourism industry are getting another
well-deserved chance to step into the limelight thanks to Visit
Peak District & Derbyshire's prestigious annual awards
scheme.
Nominations are now being accepted for the Excel Tourism Awards
2012, co-ordinated by the official tourist board to recognise and
reward individuals who pull out all the stops to offer five-star
service.
Entries can be submitted in nine categories:
• Apprentice of the Year
• Student of the Year
• Young Manager of the Year
• Young Chef of the Year
• Event Planner of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Outstanding Customer Care
• Team of the Year
• Unsung Hero
Finalists will be chosen by an independent panel of judges, and
this year, for the first time, entries for Outstanding Contribution
to Tourism will be invited and shortlisted directly by the Visit
Peak District & Derbyshire Board.
Next year's event will once again be hosted by Chatsworth,
compered by Colin Sykes, Environment and Transport Correspondent
for BBC North West Tonight, and will be held on Thursday March
8.
"Each year our Excel Tourism Awards Scheme put the spotlight on
the people who work so hard to offer the highest possible standards
of service, rather than the organisations they work for," said
David James, the tourist board's Chief Executive.
"I'm very pleased that Chatsworth is once again able to host the
evening, when we will all have the opportunity to celebrate all
that's best about our talented local workforce.
"Tourism makes a vital contribution to the Derbyshire economy -
now worth more than £1.5 billion a year and supporting 25,000
jobs - and our Awards highlight all those who share our passion for
offering visitors the best quality experience we can.
"They also underline the message that it's vital for businesses
to invest in their employees through quality improvement, staff
training and skills development, and hopefully encourage other
employers to follow their lead.
"Anyone employed in tourism is eligible - from all-rounders
whose often unseen efforts make all the difference to the
day-to-day running of a business to high flyers just starting out
or have achieved outstanding results during a long
career.
"I hope as many people as possible will get in touch to let us
know who they think should be recognised and rewarded in what
promises to be a milestone year, thanks to the London Olympics 2012
and Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee."
The Duke of Devonshire added: "The Excel Tourism Awards are a
great opportunity to reward people who work tirelessly behind the
scenes to make sure that visitors have the best possible
experience.
"We are delighted that the Awards will take place at Chatsworth
for the third year in a row, and look forward to welcoming
colleagues from Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, sponsors and
guests to what has become a key event in the county's
calendar."
The Excel Tourism Awards 2012 will once again be hand crafted
from Derbyshire sourced products by Ashbourne-based jewellers CW
Sellors.
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, Commerce Centre, Canal
Wharf, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S41 7NA, 01246 212924 ext 2903,
email lindsay.rae@visitpeakdistrict.com. The closing date for
entries is Friday January 20.