Following a lengthy deliberation and many heated discussions between our judges, the winner and three runners-up of our Tour Leader Awards 2009 have been chosen!
Overall winner: Deepen Rai
The panel praised his hard work as a tour leader, choosing him as the overall winner for a whole variety of reasons. Clearly nothing is too much trouble for him. They were impressed by the fact he has worked up the ranks, become a strong spokesperson for the other leaders and by how his managers have absolute confidence in his leadership abilities. Feedback from customers and staff who have travelled with Deepen uniformly praised his excellent work, making him a very worthy winner!
Customer nomination comments include: “Deepen really made our tour. He showed a great approach of little interference when not necessary and working all the strings/solving all the problems when needed and without much fuss” and “He showed true knowledge (without being overbearing) and respect for the culture and people of Nepal while being a great ambassador for them”
Deepen leads tours in Nepal, India and Tibet. His chosen charity, who receive 50% of his winnings is the Helpless Children's Protection Home in Kathmandu
Travel with a winner
If you'd like to travel with Deepen or another of our award-winning tour leaders then visit our Travel with a Winner page.
Runners-up
Sudarshan KC
The panel noticed from his nominations that he goes above and beyond the call of duty to help his groups. He was also shortlisted last year for the awards thus proving consistency in the excellent work he does. Phrases constantly used to describe Sudarshan's tour leading include ’in safe hands’, ‘passionate’, ‘nothing is too much’ and ‘very caring’.
Sudarshan leads tours in Nepal, India and Tibet. His chosen charity is the Helpless Children's Protection Home in Kathmandu.
Richard Beal
The panel praised Richard's hard work as a tour leader and how well he has developed into the role – they highlighted his obvious passion for the job and dedication to his groups. They acknowledged the fact that his local knowledge is on a par with local leaders in their home countries, commenting on the fact he has made China his home. He has trained other tour leaders in China one of whom also reached the top 15.
Richard leads tours in China. His chosen charity is SOS Children's Villages in India.
Jackie Mullen
The panel were impressed by the outstanding feedback Jackie continually receives from her customers and by the number of customers who return to travel with Explore and with Jackie again as their tour leader.
Jackie leads tours across the world, most recently in Latin America, Egypt and Tanzania. Jackie's chosen charity is Mufindi Orphans in the Wild.
The prizes
Deepen Rai will receive £1000, half of which will go to a charity of his choice and Sudarshan, Richard and Jackie will each win £500, again with half going to a charity of their choice.
Vote for your Tour Leader
If you've travelled with us since May 2010, vote for your tour leader in our 2011 Tour Leader Awards. Alternatively, read about the other tour leaders shortlisted for the 2009 awards.