17th November 1999

The Blue Badge guides of Britain have been recognised for their exceptional contribution to the development of tourism in the United Kingdom with an award from the Tourism Society.

Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, President of the Tourism Society, presented the award at the Society's Annual Dinner on 16th November. The award recognises the professional service provided by Blue Badge guides in their role as unofficial ambassadors for Great Britain.

The Tourism Society said,"Blue Badge guides in their unofficial but pivotal role as the country's tourism ambassadors, raise the status of Britain in the eyes of some 4 million of its visitors each year - to the extent that many are inspired to repeat the experiences time and time again".

Coming from all walks of life and undertaking extensive and costly training designed to ensure a high degree of professionalism, Blue Badge guides are accomplished presenters and interpreters of the British way of life. The standards they have set are recognised internationally and provide a model for guide training world-wide.Blue Badge guides add inestimable value to the British tourism product and are one of its major and undisputed assets.

London Guide Training Director, Katrine Prince, receiving the award with the Chairpersons of the Guild and APTG present, said "We are delighted at this recognition of the importance and contribution of professional tourist guides fifty years after the Blue Badge qualification was created in preparation for the Festival of Britain".