August 15th, 2018

In the wonderful settings of Sonoma County, at the IMG 2018 Strategic Alliance Meeting, Royal Coach Tours was named Operator of the Year.

The award was accepted by Dan Smith, Vice President, Royal Coach Tours, on behalf of his sister, Sandy Allen, who together are second generation owners.

Royal Coach Tours, located in the heart of the Silicon Valley in San Jose, California, was founded in 1960 by Joanne Smith and her husband, with the purchase of one 37 passenger motorcoach to run a local commuter service, known as Smith Charter Service. In 1970, Mrs. Smith changed the name to Royal Coach Tours, a name that is synonymous with service excellence. Today Royal Coach Tours is 96 motorcoaches strong.

Sandy Allen, President, said: “What an honor to receive the Operator of the Year award from the IMG Organization. Such a prestigious group of 50 plus operators around North America, and for our company to be chosen is a privilege. We are very proud to display this award on our Motorcoaches”

Greg Gallup, Chief Executive Officer said: “It is a wonderful honor to be named IMG Operator of the Year 2018.  IMG represents the best of the best in the motor coach industry and to be recognized by this network is amazing!  All the Royal team members made this award happen with their hard work and dedication.  I am truly proud to be a part of this great company”

Each year, IMG recognizes one of their own for this great honor, with the award based on a criteria of: operational excellence; safety performance; best practices; community and motor coach industry involvement; and engagement within the International Motorcoach Group (IMG).

A panel of the past three Operator of the Year winners, Brown Coach (2017); Autocar Excellence (2016) and STARR (2015) had the unenviable task of choosing the eventual winner.

Bronwyn Wilson, President of IMG said: “The entire team at Royal Coach Tours embrace and reflect all that IMG represents and we are so proud to have them as the 2018 Operator of the Year”.

As is tradition, IMG unveiled the “Operator of the Year” Motorcoach, designed and installed by Turbo Images, featuring Royal Coach Tours signage along with a collage of images reflecting the key areas that Royal services, Northern California and their newest location, Las Vegas.