This category recognises the use of innovative and original ideas in development and implementation of programmes of coach tours and/or excursions within the UK. The judges look for programmes that are well-researched, and developed in partnership with quality suppliers and attractions.

Results 2019

Winner, Gold Award: Johnsons Coach Travel

2018 holiday and excursion programme

Johnsons Coach Travel produced eight brochures for its 2018 domestic travel programme, covering different seasons and types of trip. These included Day Excursions, Great Breaks featuring weekends and short breaks, Express Excursions from a single departure point, and its Door-to-Door Holidays brochures. The main brochure was launched at Blenheim Palace and was attended by over 400 clients. The brochures featured over 100 new tours, and include the introduction of an Active Traveller section with a selection of tours that included walking and bird watching. Also new was the Close up & Local section that featured nearby destinations for those who don't want to spend a long time travelling.

The judges were impressed with this well written entry, backed up with good supporting evidence. It was good to see Johnsons trying new things, and not being afraid to say when something didn't work. Ideas such as the Excursions Express have been tried before, but clearly Johnsons are operating it very successfully. A worthy gold winner.

Winner, Silver Award: Woods Travel

Coach holidays and day excursions

Woods Travel has been serving West Sussex and the surrounding areas for over 48 years. Coach tours were introduced in 1984, initially offering just five destinations, and this has grown to over 170 coach holiday destinations, together with an extensive day excursion programme of up to 300 trips carrying over 9,500 passengers. This year's brochure features a number of new trips including two tours to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Manchester Ship Canal, and special interest holidays featuring Duxford Air Show and Bletchley Park, and 'Steam Dreams' for steam train enthusiasts.

A good programme with some interesting trips presented in a well laid out brochure, was the comment from the judges. They also noted the programme showed great attention to detail and a good understanding of what their customers want.

Winner, Bronze Award: Kirbys Coaches

UK & Continental Holidays by Coach, Air & Cruise

Essex based Kirbys Coaches produces a single brochure covering its domestic and continental holiday programme, clearly laid out with sections for each region of the UK and including TripAdvisor scores for hotels. Kirbys is one of the biggest coach operator customers of Warner Leisure Hotels, where many of the company's UK holidays are based. New for this year include a Mother's Day overnight in Brighton, 'Gems of Dorset', 'Morgan Cars, Tapas & Tastings' in the Malverns, a four day tour to the north east featuring an evening at the Kynren show, and a Yorkshire tour based in Hull.

The judges were interested to see the inclusion of Trip Advisor scores for hotels used on overnight tours and made special mention of the experiential trips Kirbys has on offer.

Finalist: Reays Coaches

Make Memories With Reays In 2019

Reays Coaches is based in Wigton in north Cumbria and has produced its biggest ever programme. A single brochure covers UK and continental holidays. Amongst the UK holidays are eight new 'Sporting, Shows & Events' short breaks covering three major flower and garden shows, the British Grand Prix, Grand National, and in Edinburgh, Les Miserables. The company makes use of TV and radio advertising alongside four social media channels to promote its holidays.

Finalist: Richmond's Coaches

Day Excursions and Theatre Trips

Hertfordshire based Richmond's Coaches has been established for more than 70 years and remains a family owned and operated business. The day trip programme has more than doubled in the past seven years, carrying 13,200 customers to 138 destinations last year, including more than 1,000 to the ever popular Thursford Christmas Spectacular. All tours can be booked on Richmond's website, which booked 8% more customers last year. This year looks to be very busy with a target to carry 15% more passengers and a focus on new customers travelling to concerts at music venues and sports stadium including Wembley, Stadium Mk and the O2 Arena.

Who could be nominated?

The award was open to operators of coach tour and excursion programmes on sale to the general public.

… and by whom?

Nominations were accepted from all eligible organisations, and self-nomination was acceptable.