On 29 March 2017, Team London Ambassadors won the Tourism Society Award for 2017.
The Tourism Society award recognises those who make an outstanding contribution to the development and success of the tourism industry in the United Kingdom.
The Mayor's Team London Ambassadors programme was presented with the award in recognition of our achievements in building a successful volunteering legacy from hosting the 2012 Games.
The award was presented by Tourism Society President Lord Thurso to Matthew Ryder, Deputy Mayor for Social Integration, Social Mobility and Community Engagement.
It is little wonder that millions of tourists flock to London every year – we are a world leader for culture, food, sport, and more besides.
Our Team London Ambassadors programme is a great way for visitors to the capital to discover what our city has to offer. Every summer, the Ambassadors take to the streets to welcome visitors to our great city and reinforce the message that London is open to everyone. They also show that, by volunteering, we can strengthen our social fabric and tighten bonds with fellow citizens from different backgrounds and communities.
Sadiq Khan has made London's culture and improving social integration key priorities. He also pledged to be the most business-friendly Mayor this city has ever had – and London's tourism industry showcases all of this.
On behalf of the hard work and dedication of the Team London Ambassadors, I’m delighted to receive this year’s Tourism Society Award.
Deputy Mayor, Matthew Ryder
The 8,000 Team London Ambassadors were one of the highlights of 2012. Based at 43 locations, the Ambassadors were London’s ‘friendly face’ who helped to show the world the very best that London has to offer. Since then, Ambassadors have continued to welcome visitors to London each summer.
This year, Ambassadors will be on shift from 14 August - 3 September 2017 at the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, Parliament Square, Piccadilly Circus and St James's Park.
This has been a hugely enjoyable evening with a fantastic turnout of Tourism Society members and guests. Nicolas Petrovic’s speech and the questions that followed were extremely interesting.
I was very pleased, too, to see ‘Team London’ pick up The Tourism Society Award – as a showcase for providing opportunities for people to get involved in large tourism events long after its inception, the London Ambassadors Programme has been excellent.
Hayley Beer-Gamage, Tourism Society Chair.
Team London is delighted to also be delivering the volunteering programme for the World Para Athletic Championships and the IAAF World Championships in July and August 2017.
Over 4,000 volunteer ‘Runners’ will welcome visitors to The London Stadium and throughout the city and will help to make the championships a huge success.