Green Showcase Events
JODIE ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS
Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2011/12
The winners of the Lancashire and Blackpool Tourism Awards 2011/12 were announced at a glittering black-tie event hosted by West End star and Lancashire lass Jodie Prenger, on the evening of Thursday 22 September 2011, at the Paradise Room, Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool.
This year’s awards ceremony, attended by over 300 representatives of Lancashire and Blackpool’s £3billion visitor economy, was a stunning affair and saw more individuals, businesses, highly commended and joint winners than ever before. Categories such as Best Tourism Event of the Year, voted for by visitors to Lancashire and Blackpool and the Make A Difference Award, celebrating the work of some of the industry’s unsung heroes, were amongst the 17 enthusiastically received awards.
Obviously thrilled to be back on home ground, Blackpool-born Jodie was a huge hit as guest presenter and compere. She also performed a couple of numbers, including her now signature song As Long As He Needs Me from the BBC TV programme I’d Do Anything, which propelled her into the public spotlight and the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh’s revival of Oliver!
Cllr Cain, Blackpool’s Cabinet Member for Tourism and Culture welcomed guests and commented: “2011 has been a fantastic year for the resort. Tourism is such an essential part of the resort’s economy and the awards are a great way of highlighting and rewarding the efforts that have been made over the last year.”
Mike Wilkinson, Managing Director of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board who introduced the event said “Despite the tough times that we’ve all endured, we are a resilient bunch in Lancashire and tonight you’ve see the remarkable triumphs of individuals as well as businesses working in the county’s £3 billion visitor economy. Every finalist should be very proud of their achievements.”
The Awards – Winners, Highly Commended and Finalists
(not in order of appearance on the night)
Bed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year
The Ashton, Lancaster – winner
Langtrys, Blackpool – highly commended
Dam Head Barn, Nelson – finalist
Meadowcroft Barn B&B, Edgworth – finalist
Small Hotel of the Year
Best Western Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho – winner
The Strand Hotel, Blackpool – highly commended
Bedford Hotel, Lytham St Annes – finalist
Briar Dene Hotel, Thornton Cleveleys – finalist
Millstone at Mellor – finalist
Large Hotel of the Year sponsored by University of Central Lancashire
The Midland, Morecambe – winner
Big Blue Hotel, Blackpool – finalist
Elgin Hotel, Blackpool – finalist
Holiday Inn Preston – finalist
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Old Holly Farm, Garstang – winner
Burnley Mechanics Theatre – highly commended
Canal Boat Cruises, Hoghton – finalist
Thornton Hall Farm Country Park, Barnoldswick – finalist
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Burbage Holiday Group
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool – winner
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Nr Ormskirk –highly commended
Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool – finalist
Towneley Hall, Burnley – finalist
Self Catering Award sponsored by Links Signs and Graphics
Coast Apartments, Blackpool – winner JOINT WINNERS
Martin Lane Farmhouse Holiday Cottages, Burscough – winner
Canal Boat Cruises, Hoghton – highly commended
Bronte School House, Nr Kirkby Lonsdale – finalist
Caravan Holiday Park & Holiday Village Award sponsored by KPMG
Sunset Park, Hambleton – winner
Claylands Park, Garstang – highly commended
Bay View Holiday Park, Carnforth – finalist
Windy Harbour Holiday Park, Poulton-le Fylde – finalist
Business Tourism Award sponsored by Virgin Trains
Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green – winner
Best Western Premier Leyland Hotel – highly commended
The Midland, Morecambe – finalist
Pleasure Beach Resort, Blackpool – finalist
Best Tourism Event of the Year sponsored by Fat Media
Blackpool Illuminations – winner
Battle of Britain 1940’s Weekend, Lytham – second Place
Clitheroe Food Festival – third Place
Best Visitor Experience of the Year sponsored by Blackpool International Airport
WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Nr Ormskirk – winner
Grand Theatre, Blackpool – finalist
Treasure Trails Lancashire – finalist
Walkabout Theatre, The Dukes, Lancaster – finalist
Outstanding Customer Service Award
Michael Gore, Best Western Premier Leyland Hotel – winner
Jessica Brookes, Best Western Premier Leyland Hotel – highly commended
Team at Morecambe Visitor Information Centre – finalist
Management Team at Stanley House Hotel – finalist
Taste Lancashire Award
The Redwell Inn, Carnforth – winner
The Midland, Morecambe – finalist
Toast Cafe Bar & Grill, Blackpool – finalist
The Villa, Clitheroe – finalist
Ye Old Sparrowhawk, Burnley – finalist
Visitor Information Provider Award
The Visit Garstang Centre – winner
Blackburn Visitor Centre – finalist
Lancaster Visitor Information Centre – finalist
Discover Pendle Centre – finalist
Sustainable Tourism Award sponsored by First Transpennine Express
Best Western Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho – winner
Blackpool Zoo – finalist
Caldertop Cottage, Preston – finalist
Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green – finalist
Access for All Award sponsored by Eclipse Developments
Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool – winner
World Horse Welfare Penny Farm, Nr Blackpool – highly commended
Meadowcroft Barn B&B, Edgworth – finalist
Ribble Steam Railway, Preston – finalist
Marketing Campaign of the Year sponsored by Workhouse Creative Marketing*
Opening Brockholes, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Preston – winner
Opening Nickelodeon Land, Blackpool – highly commended
Merlin and the Legend of Arthur marketing, The Dukes, Lancaster -finalist
Pendle Walking Festival, Pendle Borough Council – finalist
Making a Difference Award*
Victoria Fellowes – winner JOINT WINNERS
Marketing Manager, WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre
Bernard Gladstone – winner
Volunteer Archivist, The Dukes, Lancaster
Brenda Atkinson – highly commended
Volunteer/Preston Guild Co-ordinator Preston City Council
Brian Hall – highly commended
Volunteer Conservationist, Burnley
*These award categories do not progress to national awards
Most of the winners will now progress to the national awards, to compete against other destination winners for a VisitEngland Award for Excellence 2012.
<<ENDS>>
Media enquiries: Anna Izza, Communications Manager, Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board on 01257 226614 or [email protected].