This category recognises the use of innovative and original ideas in development and implementation of programmes of coach tours to overseas destinations in Europe and Ireland. The judges look for programmes that are well-researched, and developed in partnership with quality suppliers and attractions.

Results 2019

Winner, Gold Award: Skills Group

EU Skills Continental Programme

Nottinghamshire based Skills Group is offering 56 holidays this year to destinations including Portugal, Spain, Croatia and Italy, and some new destinations for Christmas. Rather than using the short Channel crossings, Skills is introducing overnight ferries as an exciting and relaxing way of travelling to the continent. Although most of its customers are repeat travellers, Skills is pleased that 15% of passengers, year on year, are new to the company.

A well planned programme promoted in a visually appealing brochure, thought the judges, also noting the good outcomes demonstrated in the entry. A modern business not afraid to look at their past and worthy gold winner.

Winner, Silver Award: Eastons Holidays

Eastons Continental 2019

Easton's Holidays European travel programme has grown year on year and the Norwich based operator has added three new continental trips for 2019, including one based on the spectacular Cinque Terre coastline in Italy. Sell out tours last year included the Dutch Bulbfields, a seven day Rhineland Explorer and an eight day Swiss Christmas. The company believes that the key to its successful holidays is listening to its customers, to further refine and enhance each tour and add new experiences.

The judges were impressed with the brochure in how it split different types of holiday and also picked out the destination map as being useful. They were also impressed with amount of effort put in to engage with customers as well as Eastons' plans for the future.

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, and alongside the clearly laid out details of each holiday, it includes TripAdvisor scores for most hotels used. New tours for this year include Guernsey and Sark, the Rhine Valley, Camino de Santiago in Spain, and an eight day holiday based in Davos featuring a trip on the Bernina Express.

A nice brochure with good use of customer feedback, said the judges. They also liked the way the existing programme was being developed with popular add ons like meal stops and the development of experiential visits as part of a tour.

Finalist: Reays Coaches

Make Memories With Reays In 2019

North Cumbria based Reays Coaches has produced its biggest ever travel programme featured in its single brochure covering UK and continental holidays. Eleven European holidays featuring Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and France are on offer, with trips to Disneyland Paris being a favourite. The company makes use of TV and radio advertising alongside four social media channels to promote its holidays.

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.