Celebrating Lancashire’s Best
Local shining stars were announced at a glittering celebration of Lancashire’s £4.25 billion visitor economy at the Lancashire Tourism Awards. Photography: Brian Slater for VisitLancashire.com
More than 400 people descended on new Preston venue, Imperial Banqueting, to find out the winners of 22 categories at the prestigious annual event, supported by headline sponsor University of Central Lancashire.
Blackpool-born star of West End, stage and TV Jodie Prenger was guest presenter, bringing her Lancastrian humour to the proceedings and entertaining guests with her incredible voice, as she performed some of her favourite songs.
This annual event organised by Marketing Lancashire, recognises the contribution made by the county’s tourism and hospitality businesses, and names winners in 22 categories. There were also Highly Commended awards in three categories. This year, more than 100 finalists competed for the prestigious titles and progressed through shortlisting, mystery shopping and interviews by panels of experts.
There were several proud winners from the Preston and Fylde areas. Including:
Taste Lancashire Restaurant Award – Twelve Restaurant, Thornton
Holiday Village Award – Ream Hills Holiday Park, Weeton
Sustainable Tourism Award – The Bee Centre, Preston
Business Tourism Award – Winter Gardens Blackpool
Retail Experience Award – Fleetwood Market
Visitor Experience Award – The Bee Centre, Preston
Inclusive Tourism Award – Sandcastle Waterpark, Blackpool
Small Event Award – Chorley Live
Rachel McQueen, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire welcomed guests saying: “A thriving Lancashire tourism sector contributes to the economy, to employment, to the culture, the quality of life and the prosperity of Lancashire. The Lancashire Tourism Awards reminds us of the diversity the county has and how privileged we are to have such amazing experiences to offer visitors.”
The evening also saw the Lancashire Tourism Superstar – the only category decided through a public vote – awarded to tour guide Simon Entwistle. His Top Hat Tours see him traversing the length and breadth of Lancashire shouting loud about the county he is so proud of. He entertains visitors, tourists, VIPS and media representatives with his expert storytelling, sharing those tales that are a part of the fabric of Lancashire’s rich history and culture.
Well done to all the winners and here’s to a very successful 2019.
