San Jose, Calif.’s Royal Coach Tours was named Operator of the Year at the International Motorcoach Group’s (IMG) Strategic Alliance Meeting in Sonoma County, Calif.

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

Royal Coach Tours 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, 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,” said Sandy Allen, Royal Coach Tours’ president. “We are very proud to display this award on our Motorcoaches.”

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 motorcoach industry involvement; and engagement within the 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.

“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,” said Bronwyn Wilson, president of IMG.