Proprietors of seven Isle of Man bed and breakfast and self-catering properties celebrated at a special presentation on Thursday 1st September, where they were honoured with Gold and Silver awards for providing top quality and service to visitors. Political Member for Isle of Man Tourism Geoff Corkish presented the awards at a ceremony which took place in the Colonnade Suite at the Villa Marina. The Accolades were introduced last year, mirroring the scheme already operating in the UK by VisitBritain and, following assessments by the Island’s independent assessors ‘Quality in Tourism’ seven proprietors were awarded Gold and Silver Accolades. They are Howard and Nancy Eggerton, Cherrywood B&B; David and Janet Thurlow, Coan Buigh Gwens B&B; Jane Anderson, The Coach House, Ballamoar; Jon Allen, Gloucester Manor; Joanne Walker, Ballagawne Farm Cottage; Claire Veale, Stayboutique Apartments and Maxine and Trevor Nall, Crag Lea B&B; Catherine and Andrew Scarlett, Ballakerkey Waterfall Barn; Jackson and Sandy Bain, Enfield House; Mr and Mrs Pattinson, Carhonnag, Regaby and Tim Baggaley, The Regency Hotel. The prestigious accolade is in addition to their star grading but shows that the proprietors have gone above and beyond expectations with their quality and cleanliness but, more importantly, their standard of service and hospitality. Minster for Economic Development Allan Bell said: ‘The Gold and Silver awards recognise the exceptional quality and standard that has been achieved by these accommodation providers. This prestigious accolade acknowledges their attention to detail and outstanding commitment to their guests and I wish to thank them for all their hard work. ‘It is important that we continue to improve standards within the accommodation that the Island has to offer our visitors and these award winners are setting a standard for others to follow.’ Political member for Isle of Man Tourism, Geoff Corkish MBE commented: ‘The Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division is constantly working to improve the quality of service provided to visitors and it is excellent that the highest achievers have been recognised in this way. ‘Four or five star grading awards are a great achievement but to be awarded Silver or Gold Accolade exclusively shows that these accommodation providers are all willing to go that extra mile to ensure that their guests’ expectations are met, if not exceeded. They should be recognised and congratulated for their commitment to Isle of Man tourism ’ The award winners will be entitled to display the Gold and Silver Accolade Award at their premises, alongside their star grading sign. The 2011 Tourism Awards close on 30th September with categories including best customer service and best hotel, guest and self-catering accommodation. Nomination cards are available for collection from a number of distribution points including the Welcome Centre, Railway Stations, Local Commissioners Offices and Manx National Heritage Attractions. Completed forms can either be returned by post or dropped into one of the many collection boxes situated around the Island. ENDS