The winner of this award will demonstrate the creative use of a range of marketing tools to grow their business and increase consumer awareness.

Any methods in the marketing toolbox can be used: branding, business-to-business, direct mail, media advertising, the internet, PR or a combination of all these techniques.

The important thing is that they will have delivered measurable results. At the heart of this success will be well-researched travel markets and clear monitoring criteria to judge results and fine-tune campaigns as necessary.

This year, the judges decided to divide the entries into two: one for larger operators, and one for small and medium enterprises.

Award for Small and Medium Enterprises

Gold Award Winner: Johnsons Coach & Bus Travel – Summer 2014 Brochure Launch

Johnsons launched their new brochure in last autumn and used a mix of marketing activities to keep costs down while maintaining sales. They analysed their market position, identified their target markets and set objectives to achieve their strategies. The brochure was produced to a high standard, reflecting the quality the company wished to promote. The judges were impressed with the brochure and the campaign to support its release.

Silver Award Winner: Grey’s of Ely – Viral Social Media

In recent years social media has become integrated into all aspects of life and business has been quick to harness its power and influence. Facebook marketing has been available for some time and Grey’s refined their message to suit this outlet. In addition, a video on YouTube has generated significant interest and the combined effects have had positive results.

Bronze Award Winner: Anthony’s Travel

Anthony’s has embraced a range of promotional techniques in its marketing, carefully analysing and tailoring each strand for its target market. The company admits it lacks the resources of larger operators, but it has used its budget wisely to devise campaigns that are still innovative and eye-catching.

Award for Larger Operators

Gold Award Winner: Megabus UK: Digital Integration, Megabus UK (Stagecoach Group)  

Megabus UK has achieved substantial growth across all its business and marketing key performance indicators through the implementation of a carefully measured and integrated digital strategy, based on comprehensive research and led by a clear understanding of customer needs. The judges were impressed by the sophisticated and scientific approach taken, representing a root and branch appraisal which has delivered substantial benefits.

Silver Award Winner: National Express – Instant Getaways

“Instant Getaways” is a warm, engaging and focused campaign, built on research and insight. Planned and delivered as a summer campaign, it is being expanded with different executions to drive growth throughout the year. The judges liked the premise for the promotion and the flair with which it is being delivered.

Bronze Award Winner: Shearings Holidays – Keep Making Memories

The “Keep Making Memories” campaign was not only designed to attract new customers, but also to motivate existing customers. Several strands of research were used to shape the promotion and it was rolled out with TV advertising and a photographic competition on social media.

The results have been very successful, with 80% of brochure requests from the TV ads coming from new customers.

Highly Commended: National Express – Military Partnership

The PR team at National Express designed and delivered an industry-leading support package for the military, which was subsequently recognised at a national level. The campaign has several components and is intended to support the military and their families, as well as the British Legion. The judges were very impressed by this groundbreaking campaign, its scope and success.

Who can be nominated?

This category was open to coach operators or other organisations participating in the securing, marketing or promotion of coach services.

… and by whom?

As well as coach operators and suppliers of services to coach operators, we welcome nominations by customers, local authorities and tourist attractions. Where nominations are made by third parties, the nominee will be contacted and asked for additional information. Self-nomination is acceptable.