One of the big nights for the region’s tourism industry saw 500 guests packed into an iconic venue
More than 500 guests hailed the heroes and heroines of Lancashire tourism at a glittering awards ceremony in the magnificent setting of Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom.
Dozens of organisations conntected to the hospitality and visitor attraction sector vied for the coveted trophies with BBC radio presenter Tony Livesey hosting the evening.
Ruth Connor, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, told guests: ‘The latest annual visitor figures to Lancashire are now at a record-breaking 67 million. With these visitors spending over £4.1 billion and with almost 60,000 people now employed in tourism, we have a great deal to celebrate and look forward to.
‘I believe we have the people, the products and above all else, the right attitude to get this county noticed and appreciated. We have a lot to achieve to get to our goal of 70 million annual visitors by 2020 but with collaboration, ambition and confidence and with our true Lancashire spirit we will definitely get there.’
Lancashire’s Tourism Superstar Award 2017, the only one voted for by the public, went to creator of Crafty Vintage.
Everyone’s a winner
Small Visitor Attraction Award: HAPPA, Shores Hey Farm, Burnley
Large Visitor Attraction: Viva Blackpool
Dog Friendly: The Spread Eagle Inn, Sawley
Retail Experience: Whalley Warm & Dry
Large Hotel: The Midland, Morecambe
Business Tourism Provider: Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Small Tourism Event: Cloudspotting, Slaidburn
Large Tourism Event: LightPool Festival, Blackpool
Lancashire Café/Tearoom: Potters Barn, Ribchester
Self-Catering Holiday: Newton Hall Holiday Park, Blackpool
Visitor Experience Award: Inch Perfect Trials, Whitewell
New Business: Ascent Trampoline Park, Blackpool
Wedding Venue: Browsholme Hall and Tithe Barn, Clitheroe
Taste Lancashire: Bertram’s Restaurant, Burnley
Lancashire Pub/Inn: The Cartford Inn, Little Eccleston
Lancashire Producers & Makers: Dewlay, Garstang
Inclusive Tourism: Browsholme Hall, Clitheroe
Culture & Heritage: Winter Gardens Blackpool
Guest Accommodation: Crow Wood, Burnley
Small Hotel: The Villa Wrea Green;
Sustainable Tourism: Browsholme Hall