Marque of Excellence for Multi-Faith Tourism

 On Sunday 08 February, during the evening service, Lesley Lloyd, Chair of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board, presented the North West Faith Tourism Association’s Marque of Excellence to the Dean of Blackburn Cathedral, The Very Reverend Christopher Armstrong.

The Marque for Excellence is an award which is supported by Lord Lloyd Webber, VisitBritain, the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the tourist boards of the Northwest.  The award is given to sacred sites such as gurdwaras, cathedrals, parish churches, mosques, synagogues and temples that reach the Associations standard in hospitality and welcoming visitors.  Sites achieving the award receive a quality plaque to be displayed in a prominent place. 

Malcolm Stonestreet, Chairman of the North West Multi Faith Tourism Association said;

 “As an organisation, we are striving to recognise sacred places that allow individuals to connect with the past as well as with contemporary culture, particularly when they are visiting areas outside of their traditional congregation; we aim to ensure that these sacred places are more welcoming to the visitor.”

Lesley Lloyd, Chair of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board  said;

“It is a great honour to present this plaque to Blackburn Cathedral in recognition of their commitment to hospitality, and we would encourage other religious sites to achieve the Marque of Excellence award and welcome more visitors to Lancashire’s sacred sites.”

The Dean of Blackburn, The Right Reverend Christopher Armstrong, commenting on the award said;

“This is a prestigious award for the cathedral and we are looking forward to continuing to work with the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board to promote our services and welcome more visitors to the local area.”

For further information on achieving the Marque of Excellence Award and Faith Tourism within Lancashire and Blackpool, please contact Suzi Williams on 01257 226617.

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