A national award will boost tourism in Wells.
The city won the top award as Coach Friendly Destination 2019 at the British Coach Tourism Awards – a category awarded in partnership with the Coach Tourism Association.
TV personality Carol Vorderman presented the trophies at a glitzy event in Birmingham. Wells was shortlisted along with towns and cities such as Bournemouth/Poole, Newport, Burnham-on-Sea and Newmarket for the prestigious accolade.
The entry for the awards was submitted by Visit by Coach, an initiative which provides a meet and greet system to encourage more group travel visits to Wells and extend visitors’ spend in the city.
It is led by Ian Jefferies who said: “This award is wonderful recognition from the national coach industry for the collaborative work done in Wells which can only help tourism, the biggest industry in the city.”
The Bishop’s Palace won an award for Coach Friendly Attraction, and their chief executive Rosie Martin said: “The award will provide great marketing for Wells by telling people across the country what an attractive place this is.”
The team of meeters and greeters is organised by Wells Independents whose Ross Young said: “When we took up the challenge of finding this team of volunteers we were delighted with the response. I am immensely proud of the way they have immersed themselves in the welcome to Wells.
“The feedback from drivers and visitors has been tremendous and this award is testimony to the work our volunteers do.”
Visit by Coach comprises members from Wells Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace, Wells and Mendip Museum, Wells Civic Society, and the Chamber of Commerce and is supported by Wells city and Mendip district councils.