This award is presented annually by UK Coach Awards to somebody in the world of coach tourism who has devoted a lifetime to the industry, and delivered exceptional service in the provision and/or delivery of coach services.

The award is designed to recognise a significant and sustained contribution to the success of the industry by an individual who has gone consistently beyond the call of normal duty to improve and promote the coach industry for its users or the wider community.

The winner in 2011: Chris Wales

Chris has worked incessantly for the good of the industry for many years. He was a founder member of the Coach Tourism Council back in 1988 and is a past chairman; he has been its Chief Executive since 2004.

Everyone who knows Chris (and that's a lot of people!) cannot fail to be aware of his infectious enthusiasm for the world of coach tourism. The judges love the way Chris projects confidence the industry's future and it is largely thanks to his efforts that so many agree share his optimisim.

When CTC celebrated its 20th anniversary not so long ago, Chris noted “there are more than eight million people using coaches for excursions, short breaks and longer holidays and we are confident these numbers will continue to rise over the next two decades”. Thanks to him and those around him, he is already being proved right.

Chris is a passionate advocate for group travel and coach tourism, and the Management Committee felt that his immense hard work on behalf of the whole industry meant that the award was richly deserved.

Who could be nominated?

Individuals working in any coach-related environment and at any level of seniority.

… and by whom?

Nominations will be accepted from operators, local authorities, other bodies involved in the planning and provision of coach services and other organisations working with the industry or on behalf of its users.

The Criteria:

Given the broad spread of individuals that might be nominated for this award, the UKCA organising committee will use its discretion in considering nominations for this award and will seek the necessary verification. The following will be taken into account:

• The level of service delivered
• Any special circumstances
• Consistent record of achievement
• Sustainability of the entrant’s contributions