TWELVE proprietors of hotel, bed and breakfast and self-catering properties were honoured with gold and silver accolades for providing excellent customer service at a special celebration.
The accolades were introduced in 2010, mirroring the scheme operated in the UK by Visit Britain.
They are in addition to a star grading and shows that accommodation has significantly exceeded expectations with its quality and cleanliness but, more importantly, the proprietors’ standards of service and hospitality.
Ten gold and two silver accolades were awarded following assessments by independent assessors Quality in Tourism.
Head of tourism Angela Byrne said: ‘The Department of Economic Development’s tourism division is constantly working to improve the quality of service provided to visitors and the gold and silver accolades recognise the exceptional standards that have been achieved by these accommodation providers.
‘The individual awards shows that these businesses are all willing to go that extra mile to ensure their guests have an enjoyable and comfortable stay.
‘They should be congratulated for their commitment and I wish to express my sincere thanks to all accolade winners for their hard work.’
The award winners will be entitled to display the gold and silver accolade award at their premises, alongside their star grading sign.
DED political member for tourism Geoff Corkish MHK, presented the awards at Sir Norman’s Bar in the Sefton Hotel, Douglas.
Mr Corkish said: ‘It is so important that we continue to improve accommodation standards for our visitors and these accolade winners show just how much passion and enthusiasm there is within the industry.
‘Achieving this award reflects their hard work and I would like to personally thank each and every one of them on their award.’
Gold accolades: Inglewood Guest House, Douglas, Andrew Cross; Bay View Cottage, Self Catering, Port Erin, Judy Ewart; Borrane, Self Catering, Port St Mary, Anna Kelly; Aalin Thie Apartments (Ground & 1), Self Catering, Douglas, David Emmett; Ballachrink Farm Cottages (Cherry Cottage), Self Catering, Laxey, Tracy Nolan; Bridson House Holiday Apartments, Self Catering, Port Erin, Beverley Jones; Corrody Cottage, Self Catering, Sulby, Carol Hutchinson; East Ballabane Farmhouse, Self Catering, Andreas, Claire Gordon; Spaldrick View Cottage, Self Catering, Port Erin, F.D. Gell; Old Lonan Church Cottage (Cummal-Rae Shillish) Self Catering, Baldrine, Sue Goody.
Silver accolades: Claremont Hotel, Douglas, Ian Stephenson; The Old Parsonage Barns B & B, St Mark’s, Fiona Cameron.
• The 2012 Tourism Awards close on September 30.
Categories include best customer service and best hotel, guest and self-catering accommodation.
Nomination cards are available for collection from a number of distribution points including the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, railway stations, local commissioners’ offices and Manx National Heritage attractions.
Completed forms can either be returned by post or dropped into one of the many collection boxes situated around the island.