John Thurso
Described as a "passionate, eloquent and indefatigable advocate" for tourism and the hospitality industry, John Thurso (aka Hon John Sinclair and Viscount Thurso), a member of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, president of the Tourism Society, vice-president of the British Resorts Association and a patron of the HCIMA, was unanimously voted winner of the 2003 Tourism Award.
All the judges on this year's panel spoke of Thurso's tireless drive and commitment to educating the wider world on the importance of tourism. Peter Lederer, managing director of the Gleneagles hotel, said: "He's working very hard at banging the drum for tourism. For years we've been asking why the Government doesn't take us seriously. Lord Thurso has started to make them do that."
Thurso began his working life in the hospitality industry when he joined the Savoy Group as a management trainee in 1972. His distinguished career has included managing the Lancaster in Paris, founding Cliveden in 1985 and becoming chief executive officer of the Champneys group in 1995.
Following the death of his father in 1995 he took his seat in the House of Lords, where he became spokesman on tourism, and later food. In June 2001 he was elected MP for Caithness, Sutherland & Easter Ross, and later became Liberal Democrat shadow secretary of state for Scotland. In his spare time he promotes his constituency as a tourist destination.
In both houses of parliament he is outspoken on tourism issues and frequently spearheads debates. As a member of the Culture, Media and Sport select committee, he attacked the Government's decision to scrap the English Tourism Council and merge it with the British Tourist Authority.
Linda Astbury, business manager at RAC Services, applauded Thurso for his energy and outspoken charm. "He's not afraid to speak up," she said. "He's working from within for us, improving the standards through his work with the HCIMA. He gives a lot of time and effort to the industry."
Richard Tobias, chief executive of the Tourism Alliance, also praised Thurso's commitment to his work. "He turns up for the opening of an envelope, more than any other politician," he said. "If you had to look at one politician who has raised the profile of tourism, it's him. He's the guiding light behind the select committee. He's raised the profile within Parliament and outside. He goes that extra mile."
Judges
ROY ACKERMAN Chairman, Tadema Studios
LINDA ASTBURY Business manager, RAC Hotel Services
JANE CALVERT-LEE National accounts director, CBI
NIGEL EMBRY Chief executive, Farm Stay UK
PETER LEDERER Managing director, Gleneagles hotel
NICK MacKENZIE Property director, Tussaud's Group
RICHARD TOBIAS Chief executive, Tourism Alliance
Previous Winners:
2002 Farm Stay UK
2001 Tim Smit
2000 Richard Tobias
1999 Hans Rissmann
1998 Albert Hampson, Linda Astbury & Sarah Whaley
1997 Cairns Boston
1996 Ken Robinson
1995 James Hoseason
1994 Victor Middleton
1993 Peter Lederer
1992 Anne Davies
1991 Pam Powell
1990 Martin Skan
1989 Gerald Milson
1988 Douglas Barrington
1987 Kit Chapman
Sponsored by: Aramark
Sponsor message:
Aramark is delighted to sponsor the Tourism award, to reward individual or team efforts which boost this important industry.
The award carries great significance this year, given the effects of the Foot & Mouth situation, and is all the more deserved when the resultant difficulties faced by the tourism industry in the UK are taken into account.
It’s clear that we can retain and build on the UK’s status as one of the world’s leading destinations by constantly improving the services we offer to visiting guests from both the UK and abroad. With tourism contributing over £12 billion to the economy and providing 1.7 million jobs, this is an especially important task for the nation.
Aramark, as an internationally renowned contract caterer and service provider, is dedicated to excellence in the business of food and hospitality. We are keenly aware that we must constantly meet and exceed our customers’ expectations. This philosophy applies equally to the tourism industry because visitors to the UK increasingly demand top quality in every aspect of their visit.
The award recognises individuals or teams who improve standards and professionalism in the industry, who further the drive to encourage more tourists to the UK and who help to raise the profile of British hospitality at home and abroad.
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