Cumbria-based Mountain Goat Tours has been crowned Sightseeing Operator of the Year in the UKinbound Awards for Excellence.

UKinbound is a trade association that represents the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism industry. Its annual Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner saw awards presented in front of 350 tourism and hospitality professionals at Belfast City Hall.

Following self-nomination, the winners were decided by a panel of independent judges from across the tourism industry, which includes: Kurt Janson, former director of The Tourism Alliance; Jason Edwards, Jason Edwards Travel; and Dr Karen Thomas, director, Tourism and Events Research Hub, Canterbury Christ Church University.

“The whole team at Mountain Goat are thrilled to be recognised for this award” – Mountain Goats Group Sales and Marketing Manager, Asia Connor

Mountain Goats Group Sales and Marketing Manager, Asia Connor, said: “We are delighted to have won the Sightseeing Operator of the Year Award at the prestigious UKInbound Awards Ceremony. The whole team at Mountain Goat are thrilled to be recognised for this award. It wouldn’t be possible without our fantastic customers, driver-guides, office, and garage team. We are so grateful for all the support we receive.”

“We are delighted to name Mountain Goat as Sightseeing Operator of the Year” – Joss Croft OBE, CEO UKinbound

Joss Croft OBE, CEO UKinbound, said: “Last year, our inbound tourism industry saw over 31 million visits from international tourists to the UK who spent over £26 billion and our Awards for Excellence are a great opportunity to reward and celebrate the industry. Our members who work for businesses such as major attractions, tour operators, transport and accommodation providers have all worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months and made a significant contribution to the continuing success of the sector.  We are delighted to name Mountain Goat as Sightseeing Operator of the Year.”

The winners were:

• Tour Operator of the Year – Angela Shanley Associates Ltd
• Online Travel Agency of the Year – Get Your Guide
• Accommodation Provider of the Year – Lake District Country Hotels
• Attraction of the Year – Blenheim Palace
• Destination Management Organisation of the Year – Visit Kent
• Sightseeing Operator of the Year – Mountain Goat Tours
• Transport Provider of the Year – Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
• Service Provider of the Year: Professional Services – TravelBeat
• Service Provider of the Year: Restaurants, Retail and Ticketing – Bustronome
• Service Provider of the Year: Technology – Vox Group
• Sustainable Tourism Provider of the Year – Game of Thrones Studio Tour
• Young Excellence Award – Zoe Fleming, Liverpool Football Club
• Members Choice Award – James Aitken, Cashel Travel
• Chairman’s Choice Award – Rob Russell, AC Group

Joss Croft OBE, CEO UKinbound, said: “Last year, our inbound tourism industry saw over 31 million visits from international tourists to the UK who spent over £26 billion and although these statistics are not quite up to the visit and spend levels seen in 2019 – this is still a fantastic achievement against the backdrop of a tough global economic climate and ongoing recovery from the pandemic.

“As always, our Awards for Excellence are a great opportunity to reward and celebrate the industry and our members have once again all worked incredibly hard over the last 12 months and made a significant contribution to the continuing success of the sector.”