Tourism Stars To Tower Above The Competition
Marketing Lancashire, the county’s destination management organisation, in association with Blackpool Tower today announced that the 11th annual Lancashire Tourism Awards will be held in the spectacular Blackpool Tower Ballroom on Thursday 6 November 2014. This truly unique venue will be host to an audience of 500 industry-related professionals celebrating the achievements of tourism businesses across the county who help to attract 63 million visitors every year to Lancashire. 2014 also marks the 120th anniversary of the iconic Blackpool Tower, the most beautiful and grandest ballroom in the UK.
Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire
“Following the huge success of last year’s event at Blackburn Cathedral we are working hard to raise the bar again and deliver an event not to be missed. The Blackpool Tower is an iconic world famous landmark that over the years has provided millions of visitors with special memories and it is only fitting that we pay homage to the anniversary by hosting our celebration to tourism in The Blackpool Tower Ballroom.”
Kate Shane, General Manager of The Blackpool Tower
“I am immensely proud that Marketing Lancashire has chosen to celebrate their annual awards in the magnificent Ballroom, in such a special year for The Blackpool Tower. I hope everyone has a fabulous evening and that they leave with magical memories of this wonderful building. 2014 has been a very special year for The Blackpool Tower, on Wednesday 14th May the Tower celebrated its 120th Birthday and in August we will see the completion of Phase 1 of the restoration work on the Promenade frontage.”
New categories introduced this year include awards for New Business Award highlighting high performing, new businesses showing great potential in the Lancashire tourism market place and Visitor Experience of the Year Award, for those standout visitor experiences in Lancashire from sporting activities, cookery classes, heritage tours or educational experiences.
Ruth Connor adds “Tourism is vital to the economic success and growth of Lancashire, contributing £3.5 billion to the local economy and supports over 56,000 jobs. Latest figures show that more visitors are choosing Lancashire for either a short break or for a day visit because of the quality, choice and diversity the county offers, there is literally something for everyone! The industry deserves an awards event that solely recognises and rewards those who are at the best in class.”
Information on all the categories and application forms can be found on the website www.lancashiretourismawards.co.uk
The full list of categories:
Accommodation:
B&B/Guest Accommodation Award *
Holiday Park/Village Award *
Small Hotel Award *
Large Hotel Award *
Self-Catering Holiday Provider Award *
Venues:
Conference/Meeting Venue Award *
Wedding Venue Award
Taste Lancashire Award *
Tourism Pub Award *
Retail Experience Award
Attractions/Events:
Tourism Event of the Year Award *
Small Visitor Attraction Award *
Large Visitor Attraction Award *
Cultural Venue/Organisation Award
Contribution to Tourism:
Sustainable Tourism Award *
Tourism Superstar Award
Luxury Experience Award
Visitor Experience of the Year Award * – new for 2014
Customer Service Award
New Business Award – new for 2014
Best for Groups Award
*Winners in these award categories will go forward to represent Lancashire at the VisitEngland Excellence Awards 2015.
Entry to the awards is free and applications must be submitted by Monday 1 September with the shortlist announced on Monday 22 September. Those shortlisted will then be invited to interview by the judging panel during the week of 13 October, when each business will have the opportunity to discuss their application in more detail.
Tickets for the event will go on sale in August from www.lancashiretourismawards.co.uk
For more information on sponsorship or applications contact: Catherine Redshaw on 01772 426465 [email protected]
<<ENDS>>
For Media enquiries please contact:
Laura Crabb, PR and Communications Executive, 01772 426 456
Anna Izza, Head of PR and Communications
Notes to Editors
1. Marketing Lancashire is the Destination Management Organisation (DMO) for Lancashire, established (1st April 2012). Our activities in marketing and communications, commercial membership and place marketing are all designed to grow the visitor economy and develop the profile of Lancashire as the first choice destination to visit, live, study, work and invest in.
In 2012 Lancashire attracted 62 million visitors who contributed around £3.4 billion to the local economy and helped support 54,804 jobs.