Marketing Lancashire announces Tourism Awards headline sponsor

Marketing Lancashire has named the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) as headline sponsor of the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2013.

The all new Lancashire Tourism Awards 2013, taking place at Blackburn Cathedral on Thursday 7 November, will be hosted by Simon Calder, senior travel editor of The Independent, TV and radio broadcaster.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the awards which recognise Lancashire’s outstanding tourism businesses and their £3.4bn contribution to the local economy.

Chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, Ruth Connor said: “Sponsorship is crucial to the success and continuation of the Lancashire Tourism Awards. We’re grateful to UCLan for their support and for this clear acknowledgement of the significant role the sector plays in defining the destination. We look forward to celebrating together Lancashire’s best in class.”

Jane Shaw, principal lecturer in tourism, hospitality and events for the School of Sport, Tourism and The Outdoors at UCLan said: “We are delighted to be headline sponsor of the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2013. We work closely with many tourism businesses in Lancashire, with a view to ensuring our students enter the workplace with the skills they need. In addition, we are keen to promote the many benefits the region has to offer as a tourist destination.

“The warm welcome and cultural experience offered in Lancashire is integral to the success of attracting people to UCLan and working in partnership with Marketing Lancashire, we’re helping create a sustainable and successful future for tourism and continuing education in Lancashire.”

With a strong reputation for producing highly skilled, employable graduates, UCLan provides an all-round enhanced student experience, based on strong links between academic excellence and the world of work. UCLan is currently ranked 3rd nationally in The Times and The Sunday Times league table for its tourism, hospitality and event programmes. In 2012 UCLan was awarded four stars in the QS Stars Development Road Map, demonstrating excellence in both research and teaching on an international scale.

The university’s course portfolio has grown to over 500 undergraduate programmes and 180 postgraduate courses, and offers a comprehensive suite of full-time and part-time courses in tourism, hospitality and event management and is fully committed to Continuing Professional Development for the visitor economy in Lancashire.

Businesses also sponsoring this year’s awards include: Dewlay Cheese Makers, Group Travel Organiser Magazine, Insight With Passion, Lancashire Walks and Wildlife, Napthens Solicitors, Total Food Service, Workhouse Marketing.

Tickets for the event can be purchased from lancashiretourismawards.co.uk or from Catherine Redshaw on 01772 426465. Individual tickets cost from £50 with tables of 10 available at £450. The complete list of this year’s finalists can also be found on lancashiretourismawards.co.uk