Warwickshire shines in tourism excellence
Tourism businesses in Warwickshire have been declared winners at the annual The Heart of England - The West Midlands Region, Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Warwickshire businesses scooped a total of 8 awards including 3 Gold awards and 4 Silver awards at the prestigious awards ceremony held at Birmingham’s ICC.
Organised by Tourism West Midlands and Advantage West Midlands the ‘Excellence in Tourism Awards’ are the region’s annual tourism ‘Oscars’.
Regional personalities Ed James from Heart FM and Jo Malin from ITV Central presented the prestigious gold, silver and highly commended awards to businesses and individuals from across the region with each gold winner presented with a handcrafted Wedgwood trophy specially-commissioned for this year’s awards.
Commenting on the Warwickshire award winners, Cllr Chris Saint, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder of Economic Development, said: "This is fantastic news for Warwickshire and the individual tourism business winners.
"The winning businesses highlight the quality and diversity of tourism in Warwickshire and the awards evening was a wonderful opportunity to recognise and reward individuals and businesses and the wider tourism industry, that together, contribute £6 billion each year to the West Midlands’ economy."
The Warwickshire Winners are:
Gold Award Winners
‘Heart of England Business Tourism Award’ – Woodside, Leamington Spa
‘Large Hotel/Town House Hotel of the Year’ – Menzies Wecombe Hotel, Spa & Golf Club, Stratford-upon-Avon.
‘Tourism Website of the Year’ – Shakespeare Country
Silver Awards Winners
‘Access for All’ – Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Nr Warwick.
Joint Silver Winners
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon, Nr Warwick
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – Kenilworth Castle, Kenilworth
Outstanding Customer Care Award – David Thwaite - Guiding You Limited, Stratford-upon-Avon.
Tourism West Midlands Award Winners:
Culture – Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon
The Gold award winners will now go forward to represent Warwickshire and the region at the national Enjoy England for Excellence Awards.