Boggle Hole youth hostel managers nominated for national award
Andy and Peta Nugent are 1 of 10 finalists in the running for the title of VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2022.
There could be a national award heading the way of Boggle Hole’s youth hostel for their managers as they are a finalist in VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2022.
Andy and Peta Nugent were put forward for their tireless work during the pandemic, they said:
“We’re so pleased and excited to be nominated for this amazing award. It is such an honour but it as much for us as all our team and YHA as a whole. Together we have all worked tirelessly during the pandemic. It’s a huge boost. We’re all so excited.”
They have been in the industry for the past 30 years.
Despite Covid restrictions, Andy, Peta and their team ensured that memories continued to be made at YHA Boggle Hole. Peta described Covid as a ‘positive experience’ for their 13-strong team, their ‘one crazy, big family’.
She said: “We have supported each other throughout the pandemic. It brought us closer and we’re an even better team for it. Together we wanted to prove that you can operate safely yet still deliver a good, fun experience to guests. We’ve remained positive throughout, even when we were having personal wobbles or feeling scared. At the end of the day, if guests are happy then we are all happy.”
Peta added: "Andy, myself and the team made sure the underlying magic of Boggle Hole never changed even at the height of the restrictions.
"To be faced with creating physical barriers was really difficult for us but we decided to remain positive and do everything we could to create a safe but welcoming space for all our guests, so we made sure the fire was always burning, candles were lit and music was on in reception."
Andy said: “During the restrictions, rather than saying to our guests ‘you can’t do that’, we made a point of saying ‘this is what you can do. We told our guests of the available options to them, from dining in nearby pubs or grabbing a picnic or takeaway pizza from us and eating it on the beach as the sun set. It worked better than we ever imagined.”
Votes close on March 22nd at midnight, with the winner announced at the end of English Tourism Week on March 26th.
James Blake, Chief Executive of YHA (England & Wales) said:
“We are immensely proud of Peta and Andy and indeed, all members of staff throughout the YHA network. Covid-19 has been an immensely challenging time for us all, financially, physically and emotionally, but it is the passion and dedication of our wonderful team members like Andy and Peta that has ensured not only our survival but, importantly, helped many thousands of young people and their families enjoy a break away from us and create memories.”
To vote for Andy and Peta click here.