Lancashire Finalists in Northwest Awards
England’s Northwest Tourism Awards announce this year’s Lancashire finalists
The entries have been received, the judging has commenced and the excitement is building for the finalists at the seventh annual England’s Northwest Tourism Awards.
Organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the 2010 England’s Northwest Tourism Awards will once again celebrate the best of the region’s tourism, providing a showcase for industry best-practice and top-quality tourism businesses in Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire.
This year’s event will take place on Wednesday 29th September at The Point – Lancashire County Cricket Club’s stunning new £12m conference and events centre.
Many of the finalists have already come out on top at the Lancashire & Blackpool Tourism Awards and will now be competing at a regional level for the title of the best in the Northwest.
In addition to receiving a prestigious title and trophy, regional winners will also have the opportunity to represent the Northwest in the national awards, organised by VisitEngland in 2011.
Last year, representatives from England’s Northwest won three awards at the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence including Blackpool Illuminations, who were awarded Event of the Year.
Felicity Goodey, Chair of Tourism England’s Northwest, said:
“It is important we celebrate the enormous amount of progress Northwest tourism has made in the past decade, and it is essential we recognise the continuous hard work of all those who contribute to the industry.
“In these difficult economic times, the visitor economy is a shining light of opportunity. Forecasts show that the sector can continue to grow, securing jobs for local people, improving facilities for both residents and visitors, and enhancing our quality of life which leads to more inward investment. Tourism really is a ‘win win’ sector – we need to make sure that everyone knows.
“I would like to be the first to congratulate all of this year’s finalists, who have been able to demonstrate a quality visitor experience that sets the standards for others to follow.”
Nick Brooks-Sykes, Director of Tourism at the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) said:
“Tourism is worth over £14 million to the regional economy, employing over 200,000 people. It continues to be a real good news story for England’s Northwest. Our regional Tourism Awards showcase a vast mix of tourism products and experiences, celebrating the best of the best, value for money, attention to detail and a quality visitor experience.”
Mike Wilkinson, Chief Executive of Lancashire and Blackpool Tourist Board added: “We wish the very best of luck to the shortlisted businesses form Lancashire and Blackpool as they seek to challenge for regional honours. This year, perhaps more than ever, we know that the benefits from winning can boost business fortunes and already our local winners have demonstrated their ability to move forward, innovate and constantly improve in all that they offer to visitors.”
For ticketing information call 01925 400 260 or email [email protected]
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Notes to Editors
Finalists in the England’s Northwest Tourism Awards are winners from each of the sub-regional tourism awards.
England’s Northwest Tourism Awards finalists:
Large Hotel
Best Western Premier Leyland Hotel, Lancashire
Best Western Premier Queen Hotel, Cheshire
The Radisson Edwardian Hotel, Manchester
Armathwaite Hall Country House Hotel and Spa, Cumbria
Hope Street Hotel, Merseyside
Small Hotel
The Midland Hotel, Lancashire
The Alexandra Court Hotel and Restaurant, Cheshire
Overwater Hall, Cumbria
Velvet Hotel, Manchester
Bed & Breakfast
Number One, South Beach, Lancashire
Harrop Fold Farm, Cheshire
Cherry Clough Farmhouse Accommodation, Manchester
Number 43, Cumbria
Knowsley Hall, Merseyside
Large Visitor Attraction
Blackpool Zoo, Lancashire
Tatton Park, Cheshire
Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester
The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Bowness on Windermere Cumbria
The Beatles Story, Merseyside
Small Visitor Attraction
Clitheroe Castle and Museum, Lancashire
Chester Heritage Tours, Cheshire
Stockport Airraid Shelters, Manchester
The Lake District Coast Aquarium, Cumbria
Acorn Farm, Merseyside
Self Catering
The Old Shippon at Mellor, Lancashire
The Courtyard Helsby, Cheshire
The Atrium by Bridgestreet Worldwide, Manchester
Tottergill Farm Cottages, Cumbria
Herons Well, Merseyside
Holiday Park
Newton Hall Holiday Centre, Lancashire
Skelwith Fold Caravan Park, Cumbria
Woodclose Park, Cumbria
Manor Wood Country Caravan Park, Cheshire
Business Tourism
Stanley House Hotel, Lancashire
Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Cheshire
Manchester Central Convention Complex, Manchester
North Lakes Hotel, Cumbria
Conference Centre at LACE, Merseyside
Taste of England’s Northwest
The Highwayman, Lancashire
1539 Restaurant and Bar, Cheshire
The River Bar and Restaurant at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester
The Cottage in the Wood, Cumbria
60 Hope Street, Merseyside
Tourism Experience
Go Ape! Rivington, Lancashire
Shark Dives at Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire
Angels of Anarchy – Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester
Cumbrian Heavy Horses, Cumbria
Liverpool ONE, Merseyside
Customer Service
Sandcastle Waterpark Team, Lancashire
The Alvanley Arms Inn, Cheshire
Roland Hoffman – The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
Alan Gillon – The Beacon, Whitehaven, Cumbria
Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa, Merseyside
Sustainable Tourism Award
Clough Bottom Farm Cottages, Lancashire
Chester Zoo, Cheshire
Manchester International Festival, Manchester
Elder Grove, Cumbria
Jurys Inn Liverpool, Merseyside
Tourism for All
Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Complex, Lancashire
Anderton Boat Lift, Cheshire
Chill Factore, Manchester
The Beacon, Whitehaven, Cumbria
Tourism Event
1940s Wartime Weekend, East Lancashire Railway, Lancashire
Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, Cheshire
Manchester International Festival, Manchester
Great North Swim, Cumbria
A Winter’s Trail, Merseyside
Public Space Award
Workington Town Centre, Cumbria
Lime Street Gateway, Merseyside
Towneley Heritage Parkland Restoration, Lancashire
Dream, Merseyside
Chester Renaissance, Cheshire
Tourist Information Centre
Morecambe Visitor Information Centre, Lancashire
Preston Tourist Information Centre, Lancashire
Rochdale Tourist Information Centre, Manchester
Liverpool John Lennon Airport Information Desk, Merseyside
Kendal Tourist Information Centre, Cumbria
Appleby Tourist Information Centre, Cumbria
For further information please contact Shelley Tattersall on 01925 400256 or mobile 07764 239856 or [email protected]
For urgent out of hours press enquiries please call 01925 400259.
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) works to deliver economic success in England’s Northwest by building the competitiveness of its businesses, people and places. Utilising our technical expertise and strategic influence, we help the region’s 250,000+ businesses to develop and grow, as well as supporting international trade and encouraging inward investment. For further information please visit www.nwda.co.uk