Tour Leader Awards 2010

Richard Beal
2010 Tour Leader of the Year

A runner-up last year, in this year's awards Richard Beal has gone one step further and been named the Explore Tour Leader of the Year.

He was chosen by a panel of judges after he was shortlisted following nominations received by Explore customers. When choosing him as their winner the judges praised the quality of the customer feedback he constantly receives and the extra time and energy he puts into the role. He was also commended for the great help and support he gives to local leaders in China (where he is based) and the extra work he undertook to help stranded Explore passengers amid the ash crisis earlier this year.

Explore MD and judge Ashley Toft said: "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Rich for everything he has done to help the company. our customers and the local communities with whom he has worked over the past few years. He probably doesn't realise it but he is an inspiration to many and a great role model to many others."

Richard receives a prize of £1000, half of which will go to a charity of his choice. Richard has chosen to donate to Dickeys Orphanage in Tibet.