2009 Tour Leader awards
The results are in! The winner and runners-up of our Tour Leader awards have been announced and, although the 11 tour leaders below didn't quite grab those top prizes, they're all still brilliant as=t what they do - as are all of our Tour Leaders - and they al deserve a special mention!
the shortlist!
So, here they are, the 11 nominees for our Tour Leader Awards 2009 who didn't quite make the top 4...
Adam Richardson
"My life as a tour leader? I often think running the perfect tour is like trying to find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Ultimately, you’re never going to get there, but it’s nice if people appreciate your effort, even if they think you’re a bit strange. Talents: Can ask a bus driver to slow down in 27 different languages and can clap with one hand."
Adam has led tours in Estonia and Jordan.
Arafa Omran
"I was born in Cairo. After studying tourism for four years I worked as a diving instructor as I was fascinated by marine life. After I met up with an Explore group in the Red Sea I decided I would like to lead tours and since then I've worked for Explore, after completing my training in 2008."
Arafa leads tours in Egypt.
Brianna Bakker
"Waking up every day knowing that this day is going to be different than any other day I have ever experienced is the best part about being a tour leader for Explore, I always know that I have a new adventure ahead of me! I believe it is important not just to see the sights, but also to interact with the locals and participate in new activities."
Brianna has led tours in Cambodia and Thailand.
Janvier Houlonon
"Being an Explore tour leader means becoming an ambassador without borders. I feel like one myself when I lead a tour. I like to be called Janvier WITHOUT BORDER. From the beginning of the trips to the last day, I always feel that I have a big responsibility to run a successful tour and to satisfy everyone’s interest."
Janvier leads tours in Togo and Benin.
Kat Hart
"Every day as a tour leader has a wow factor, you are sharing often once in a lifetime experiences with people, and I can't think of anything more rewarding or grin-inducing than that. It's such a privilege to come as close to as many different countries, cultures and people as this job offers, and to be a part of other peoples' journeys through them."
Kat has led tours in Greece, Turkey and Uganda.
Mark Steadman
"I left a career in the music industry to pursue my other great passion – travel! Working for Explore, I love being able to get under the skin of a country and experience the cultural interaction between the local people and us. When I’m not working I’ll be writing about my experiences or in the gym keeping fit – for the next assignment! "
Mark has led tours in Syria, Jordan and Cambodia.
Mohamed Atta
"I consider myself very lucky to have a job that enables me to experience my beautiful country from when the sun rises over the temples of Abu Simble in the far south to when the sun sets on the white desert in the far west. I always look forward to my new tour, meeting new people and making new friends, I simply love what I do."
Mohamed leads tours in Egypt
Peter Cheng
"I have worked for Explore for more than 5 years.Over the years I have gained more and more confidence and knowledge. I am proud to show people my beautiful country and its varied history. At the end of the tour I love to see how much my passengers from all over the world have enjoyed China."
Peter leads tours in China
Udaya Sherchand
"After graduating with a science degree I spent a couple of years farming mangoes near Lumbini - Buddha’s birthplace - in Nepal. I then moved on to taking tourists on white-water rafting trips on many of Nepal’s rivers. Over the past 11 years, I have led many Explore tours in Nepal, Tibet and India as well as visiting Europe and joining tours in Tuscany and the Alps."
Udaya has led tours in Nepal, India and Tibet.
Vicky Sotriffer
"I was fortunate to be born surrounded by the magnificent Dolomites and influenced by my parents wanderlust, soon becoming a nomad and travelling the world and the seven seas. I have been lucky enough to continue this lifestyle tour leading for Explore and love being able to share it with so many people who have the same passion."
Vicky has led tours in Namibia, Egypt and Jordan.
So, that's our shortlist of 11, you can find details of the overall winner and three runners-up here. To ensure a fair hand our judging panel is made up of both Explore staff and independent judges. Read about them here.
Travelled with us since May 1st 2009? Vote for your Tour Leader now in our 2010 awards!