Twelve proprietors of Isle of Man hotel, bed and breakfast and self-catering properties celebrated at a special presentation yesterday, when they were honoured with Gold and Silver Accolades for providing customer service excellence to visitors. The Department of Economic Development’s Political Member for Tourism, Geoff Corkish MBE MHK, presented the awards at Sir Norman’s Bar in the Sefton Hotel, Douglas.
The Accolades were introduced in 2010, mirroring the scheme operated in the UK by Visit Britain. Following assessments by the Island’s independent assessors ‘Quality in Tourism’ ten Gold and two Silver Accolades were awarded.
The award of the prestigious accolade is additional to a star grading and shows that accommodation has significantly exceeded expectations with its quality and cleanliness but, more importantly, the proprietors’ standards of service and hospitality.
The Department’s Political member for Tourism, Geoff Corkish MBE MHK commented:
‘It is so important that we continue to improve accommodation standards for our visitors and these accolade winners show just how much passion and enthusiasm there is within the industry. Achieving this award reflects their hard work and I would like to personally thank each and every one of them on their award.’
The Department’s Head of Tourism, Angela Byrne, said:
‘The Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division is constantly working to improve the quality of service provided to visitors and the Gold and Silver Accolades recognise the exceptional standards that have been achieved by these accommodation providers.
‘The individual awards shows that these businesses are all willing to go that extra mile to ensure their guests have an enjoyable and comfortable stay. They should be congratulated for their commitment and I wish to express my sincere thanks to all accolade winners for their hard work.’
The award winners will be entitled to display the Gold and Silver Accolade Award at their premises, alongside their star grading sign.
The 2012 Tourism Awards close on 30th September 2012 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.
Photo caption - Accommodation Gold & Silver Accolade winners pictured with Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK (front left) and Angela Byrne, Head of Tourism (front right).
