Lancashire Tourism Awards winners announced

Twenty of the county’s finest tourism businesses have been awarded for excellence at the 10^th annual Lancashire Tourism Awards.

The Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award went to all 250 Guilders of the Preston Guild 2012; volunteers who welcomed over one million visitors to Preston and ensured the smooth-running and success of this ‘once every twenty years’ event.

“Tourism is of vital importance to the economic good health of Lancashire and our finalists and winners are at the forefront of a drive to improve the industry’s current £3.4bn contribution to the visitor economy, which Marketing Lancashire will proudly continue to lead and develop, through creative partnerships and strategic and ambitious marketing.”

The event was directed and managed by Fettle Events with Marketing Lancashire and was the first event of its kind ever held at Blackburn Cathedral. Award-winning cheesemaker Dewlay, provided one of the ingredients for the menu, as well as a three tier celebration cheese-cake, and a special beer from Blackburn brewers Thwaites was available to guests at the drinks reception.

Winners this year received a newly designed trophy; a handcrafted, distinctive glass wave design, featuring the Lancashire rose created by Stonegate Glass Studio.

B&B/Guest Accommodation AwardThe Cartford Inn, Little Eccleston

Large Hotel AwardHoliday Inn Express Burnley

Self Catering AwardCanal Boat Cruises, Hoghton

Conference/Meeting Venue AwardBrockholes, Preston

Luxury Experience AwardThe SPA Hotel at Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green

Tourism Pub AwardThe Assheton Arms, Clitheroe

Best for Groups AwardBlackpool Pleasure Beach

Large Visitor Attraction AwardBlackpool Zoo

Visitor Event AwardLancaster Music Festival

Marketing Initiative AwardBlackpool Resort PassOutstanding Contribution to Tourism AwardGuilders of Preston Guild 2012