The award winners were chosen by US and UK users of the TripAdvisor website, who were asked to nominate hospitality professionals who ‘went above and beyond’ in their jobs in the past year.
TripAdvisor received more than 3500 nominations and selected 40 winners from across 21 different countries.
UK award winners included Tony Jackson, the owner of Hillside B&B in Durness in Scotland, and Janet Ann Baldry, the owner of Park House in Warwick in England.
Jackson was nominated for aiding guests whose car broke down three miles away from his business, while Baldry was recognised for giving special care to a guest who suffered a heart attack whilst staying at her establishment.
Chief marketing officer for TripAdvisor Barbara Messing said: “Everyone who travels knows that the service you receive can elevate any trip to a memorable one.
“A recent TripAdvisor survey revealed that more than two thirds of respondents didn’t think hospitality professionals receive sufficient recognition for their efforts.
“Through the Exceptional Service Awards, we’re trying to change that by acknowledging stars of the hospitality industry who made a difference by going the extra mile for their guests and clearly made a lasting impression on the TripAdvisor community.”
The award winners will receive a certificate and will be promoted on the TripAdvisor website.
The UK award winners were:
- Tony Jackson, owner of Hillside B&B, Durness, Scotland
- Vikki Gudge, dispatcher at Virgin Atlantic, Heathrow Airport, London
- Vanessa Steele, owner of Anns Hill, Cockermouth, England
- Janet Ann Baldry, owner of Park Cottage, Warwick, England
- Alan and Caroline, owners of Clipper Cove, Praa Sands, England
The full list of winners and the stories behind their nominations can be found here.