The Peak District and Derbyshire Tourism Awards took place recently at Buxton’s Grade II* listed Devonshire Dome.
The evening began with a drinks reception, which included tastings from Ambergate-based White Peak Distillery, and a three-course meal prepared by students from the University of Derby’s Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism.
The awards were organised by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, with support from the University of Derby and the European Regional Development Fund, and are designed to recognise and reward excellence in the area’s valuable £2.3 billion visitor economy.
The 31 finalists in 11 categories had survived shortlisting, mystery shopping and a rigorous judging process by panels of experts to arrive at the awards evening.
Host James Berresford, former CEO of VisitEngland, congratulated finalists as Gold award winners were presented with hand-crafted plaques, sponsored by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery. They will go on to represent the Peak District and Derbyshire at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence on 16th June in Hull.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: ‘It is our privilege to celebrate some of the talented businesses offering that extra special service and experience for some of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s 42 million visitors each year.
‘All our finalists are shining examples of quality, excellence and innovation.
It is this emphasis on quality that keeps us firmly on the map as a world-class visitor destination.’
