UKinbound, a trade association that represents the interests of the UK’s inbound tourism industry - which generated over £26 billion last year for the UK economy – has awarded Mountain Goat the accolade of Sightseeing Operator of the Year at its Awards for Excellence event (20th September 2023).

The award was presented in front of over 350 tourism and hospitality professionals at the annual Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, which took place at Belfast City Hall.

Following self-nomination, the winners were decided by a panel of independent judges from across the tourism industry - 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.

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.”

Mountain Goats Group Sales and Marketing Manager Asia Connor was at the awards last night to accept the award. Asia 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’’.

The Awards for Excellence were presented during the association’s Annual Convention which took place at the Assembly Buildings in Belfast on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 September.

The event featured an influential line-up of speakers including psychologist and motivational speaker Jamil Qureshi; Ellvena Graham, Chair of Tourism Northern Ireland and Patricia Yates, CEO, VisitBritain.