Tourism Award

The Tourism Catey honours one person or a team of people who have made an outstanding contribution to the standards of tourism in the UK. Last year's winner, John Thurso (aka Hon John Sinclair and Viscount Thurso), was described by one judge as a "passionate, eloquent and indefatigable advocate" for tourism and the hospitality industry.

 

Reflecting on his achievements as a spokesman for tourism in both houses of parliament, as a member of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, president of the Tourism Society, and patron of the HCIMA, the judges all agreed that Thurso fully met the three criteria - to persuade tourists from both the UK and abroad to spend their money in this country; to raise the profile of British hospitality, and to improve standards and professionalism in the industry.

 

Following the death of his father in 1995, Thurso took his seat in the House of Lords, where he became spokesman on tourism and later food. In June 2001 he became an MP and, in his spare time, promotes his constituency, Caithness, Sutherland & Easter Ross, as a tourist destination.

 

Determination, vision and professionalism are the kind of qualities that the judging panel look for when choosing a winner for the Tourism Catey. In 2002 the winner was Farm Stay UK, a marketing consortium of farm accommodation providers. At the end of a dreadful year for rural businesses, this was a special award for resilience. The organisation had had the foresight to constantly upgrade its marketing strategies long before the foot-and-mouth epidemic struck and threatened its survival.

 

In 2001 Tim Smit, chief executive of the Eden Project, picked up the trophy for masterminding the hugely successful Cornish attraction, while the year before, Richard Tobias, chief executive of the British Incoming Tour Operators Association, was saluted for his tireless achievements over more than 30 years of promoting Britain as a first-choice destination.

 

To nominate someone, fill in the attached form (see below) along with a supporting statement of up to 200 words. Closing date is Friday 6 February, and judging will take place at Aramark's headquarters on Friday 23 April.

 

Judges' criteria

• Tourism Award candidates should meet one or more of the following criteria. They may have:
• Persuaded tourists from both the UK and abroad to spend their money in this country.
• Helped to raise the profile of British hospitality.
• Improved standards and professionalism in the industry.

 

Don't forget: All nominations in this category MUST be accompanied by a supporting statement.

 

NB: nominations for this award have now closed.

 

If you have a query about the Cateys 2004, please e-mail jane.cartwright@rbi.co.uk

 

Sponsored by Aramark

 

Sponsor's message:

 

Aramark is delighted to sponsor the Tourism award, to reward individual or team efforts which boost this important industry.
The award carries great significance this year, given the effects of the Foot & Mouth situation, and is all the more deserved when the resultant difficulties faced by the tourism industry in the UK are taken into account.

 

It's clear that we can retain and build on the UK's status as one of the world's leading destinations by constantly improving the services we offer to visiting guests from both the UK and abroad. With tourism contributing over £12 billion to the economy and providing 1.7 million jobs, this is an especially important task for the nation.

 

Aramark, as an internationally renowned contract caterer and service provider, is dedicated to excellence in the business of food and hospitality. We are keenly aware that we must constantly meet and exceed our customers' expectations. This philosophy applies equally to the tourism industry because visitors to the UK increasingly demand top quality in every aspect of their visit.

 

The award recognises individuals or teams who improve standards and professionalism in the industry, who further the drive to encourage more tourists to the UK and who help to raise the profile of British hospitality at home and abroad.