Tourism businesses across the county have until Tuesday 31 July to submit their applications for this year’s Lancashire Tourism Awards, following the official launch of applications on Monday 11 June. Each year Marketing Lancashire, the county’s destination management organisation, delivers the only county-wide celebration of Lancashire tourism and presents awards in a wide range of categories to the year’s outstanding tourism businesses and individuals.
Rachel McQueen, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire, commenting on the launch of applications said: “This will be my first Lancashire Tourism Awards as Chief Executive and I couldn’t be more thrilled at the prospect of seeing those businesses, who contribute so much to the success of Lancashire’s visitor economy, celebrated and rewarded for their outstanding achievements.
“Marketing Lancashire is proud to deliver Lancashire’s only county-wide, annual celebration of tourism, supported by sponsors and partners who also want to acknowledge the significance tourism makes to Lancashire’s continuing prosperity. The Lancashire Tourism Awards go from strength-to-strength each year and Lancashire’s success at the Visit England Awards for Excellence is testament to the strength and quality of our product on a national level.
“It’s a proud event for Lancashire tourism and we’re looking forward to making it a night to remember for all those involved.”
Together, the county attracts over 67million visitors, who contribute £4.13billion to the Lancashire economy and support over 59,000 jobs. From nationally acclaimed restaurants and pubs, to hotels, spas, events and attractions that have won world-wide recognition, well-loved tea rooms, holiday parks and an array of unforgettable experiences, there’s no denying Lancashire has it all.
This year, four awards linked to the county’s flourishing food & drink sector have been identified as part of Marketing Lancashire’s Taste Lancashire campaign. The Taste Lancashire categories now include: Taste Lancashire Restaurant, Taste Lancashire Café/Tearoom, Taste Lancashire Pub/Inn, Taste Lancashire Producer.
The award category open to hotels (under 30 bedrooms), B&Bs, guest houses and boutique accommodation also has a new title, the Lancashire Perfect Stay Award. This award recognises the breadth of choice and wide appeal of Lancashire’s smaller properties, which offer a genuine Lancashire welcome and demonstrate unique character and customer service excellence; where often the ‘small individual touches’ make all the difference.
Ever-popular, thanks to our growing love of staycations, the dog-friendly category rewards a business that helps people keep their ‘four-legged’ friends close-by and content during a short-break or holiday in the county. From dedicated spaces and comfy dog-beds to snacks and treats; Lancashire is a place that welcomes considerate and friendly dogs – and their owners.
Visitors to Lancashire love to shop and the Lancashire Tourism Awards also recognises the county’s distinctive retailers. If shoppers travel from far and wide to purchase products with provenance or to experience bespoke and unparalleled service, then this category is tailor-made for those businesses. From food halls to fancy footwear, bridal gowns to hand-crafted homewares or locally-inspired works of art, Lancashire’s go-to retailers have an award in-waiting.
The Lancashire Tourism Awards 2018 will also honour an industry colleague with the title Lancashire Tourism Superstar, following public nomination and voting. The public can now nominate a deserving individual in this category, by completing the simple online nomination form. The nominees must be a champion of Lancashire tourism, working in or directly supporting the industry. The reigning Tourism Superstar 2017 is founder of Crafty Vintage, Laura Johnson with previous superstars including Leye D Johns, host and compere at Viva Blackpool and John Gilmore, presenter on BBC Radio Lancashire.
All 22 categories, important dates, application criteria and application forms can now be found on LancashireTourismAwards.com – completed applications must be submitted by 6pm on Tuesday 31 July.
The location and date for The Lancashire Tourism Awards 2018 ceremony, will be announced very soon.
