A SALISBURY man who welcomes thousands of visitors to the city each year has been given a special outstanding contribution award by south Wiltshire's tourism marketing organisation.

Ken Stephenson, Salisbury's coach ambassador was one of the recipients of Salisbury and Stonehenge Tourism Partnership awards for 2007.

The award was presented at the partnership's annual general meeting and dinner held this year at Wilton House.

As part of his role, Ken, a member of the team at Salisbury Tourist Information Centre, welcomes visitors to the city as they arrive on coaches.

It also includes managing the hundreds of minibuses and coaches that descend on the city each summer, making sure that drivers are aware of the dedicated facilities and coach parking provided by Salisbury District Council.

Mary Webb, chairman of the Salisbury and Stonehenge Tourism Partnership said: "Ken always goes well above and beyond the call of duty. It's not always easy balancing the needs of coach drivers and residents, but Ken has a wealth of experience, knowledge, common sense and importantly a sense of humour and always keeps his cool, even under pressure."

The outstanding contribution of Don Cross of tour company Wessexplore was also recognised by the Tourism Partnership.

Don was the founder member of the original Salisbury Tourism Association, worked unstintingly to promote interest in tourism at a time when Salisbury District Council had no tourism unit, and gave full support to Tourism 2000 - later to become the partnership - as it took on the role of promoting tourism in south Wiltshire.

Annual local tourism oscars' were also awarded for outstanding customer service by members of the Tourism Partnership. The award-winners were:

  • Attractions - Small: Mompesson House - The National Trust house in the Close, represented by Karen Rudd;
  • Attractions - Large: Wilton House, represented by Ashley Collins;
  • Bed and Breakfast: Joint awards winners were: Rokeby Guesthouse owned by Mark and Karen Rogers, and Websters Bed and Breakfast owned by John and Ronnie Mussell;
  • Hotels: Milford Hall Hotel, represented by Alison Drew and Amanda Guest;
  • Conferencing: Mercure White Hart Hotel in Salisbury, represented by Peter Watt;
  • Pubs, Restaurants, Cafes and Tea Rooms: Anokaa Restaurant, represented by Solman Farsi;
  • Shops and Shopping: Neal's Yard Remedies represented by Mark Sparrow;
  • Sports and Leisure: Foot Trails, walking tour operator, represented by Alison and David Howell;
  • Travel Trade and Transport: Wessexplore, represented by Judi and Don Cross.

The Salisbury and Stonehenge Tourism Partnership Chairman's Award was present to Alun Williams, head of visitor services at Salisbury Cathedral, for his long-standing and continuing services to tourism within south Wiltshire.

Ms Webb said: "Alun has been a staunch supporter of Salisbury and Stonehenge Tourism Partnership over many years, and he has also recently taken on chairmanship of the emerging Destination Management Partnership for Wiltshire."

The Salisbury and Stonehenge Tourism Partnership is a 300-strong private/public sector organisation established in 1995 to develop tourism in south Wiltshire.

Supported by Salisbury District Council's tourism unit, its members work together to promote the local area to UK and overseas visitors.