Chester’s top tourism businesses have demonstrated true commitment to quality by making the shortlist of the most prestigious awards for the region’s tourism industry.
More than 50 of Cheshire’s top tourism providers, including Chester Racecourse and Barlounge, have been shortlisted for the highly esteemed Visit Chester & Cheshire Annual Awards after a record-breaking number of hotels, B&Bs, attractions and other tourism-related businesses decided to bid for honours.
Emma Bellis, of award organisers Visit Chester & Cheshire, said: “We have received a record number of nominations this year which demonstrates that many businesses and organisations see striving for success and excellence in their field as an important part in helping them to stand out from the competition.
“With people becoming more discerning, customers now look for the best experiences that also offer great value for money and go that extra mile. These awards can help hotels and restaurants showcase the quality of their offering. With so many fantastic entries to choose from the judging panel have found it particularly difficult this year to short-list the candidates, so I’m sure it’s going to be a real challenge to decide on one winner in each category!”
The short-listed candidates for all fifteen categories, which include Small Hotel of the Year and the Taste of Cheshire Award for businesses who are primarily focussed on selling and using local produce, are now being judged by a panel of industry experts.
The winners will be revealed at a star-studded ceremony set to take place in June at Chester Racecourse.
Winners of a number of categories will automatically qualify for this year’s England’s Northwest Tourism Awards, organised by the NWDA. If successful, they may go on to take part in the National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence like Arley Hall and Gardens and Kerridge End Holiday Cottage last year.
The VCC Annual Awards were launched in 2004 to celebrate excellence, achievement and innovation within the visitor economy.
This year’s awards are supported by The Environment Agency amongst other sponsors.
For further information visit www.visitchesterandcheshire.co.uk or tel: 01244 405600.
VCC Awards 2010 Shortlist
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Salt Museum
Go Ape!
Chester Heritage Tours
Anson Engine Museum
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Blue Planet Aquarium
Tatton Park
Anderton Boat Lift
Stockley Farm Park
B&B of the Year
Chester Stone Villa
Harrop Fold Farm
Churton Heath Farm
Self Catering Holiday of the Year
The Courtyard Helsby
Brook House Farm Cottage
Mellow Brook Cottage at Harrop Fold Farm
Commonhall Apartments
Watergate Nook
Small Hotel of the Year
Alexandra Court Hotel
Peckforton Castle
Inglewood Manor
Nunsmere Hall Hotel
Large Hotel of the Year
Best Western Queen Hotel
Crowne Plaza
Doubletree by Hilton
The Park Royal Hotel
Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Caravan Holiday Park of the Year
Elm Cottage Touring Park
Manor Wood Caravan Park
Best Tourism Experience of the Year
Blue Planet Aquarium
Cheshire Farm Ice Cream
Anderton Boat Lift
Roman Tours
Sustainable Tourism Award
The Park Royal Hotel
Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Chester Zoo
Ness Botanic Gardens
Access for All Award
Anderton Boat Lift
Crowne Plaza
Best Tourism Website of the Year
Blue Planet Aquarium
Happy Guests Lodge
Chester Racecourse
Best Tourism Event
Spooky World
Tatton Park
Chester Races, Chester Racecourse
Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival
Cholmondeley Pageant of Power
Taste of Cheshire Award
Harrop Fold Farm
The Duke of Portland
Chester Racecourse
Tatton Park
Food and Drink Venue of the Year
Barlounge
Residence Restaurant and Bar
Panacea Restaurant and Bar
The Coach House
Cabbage Hall
Excellence in Business Tourism
Peckforton Castle
Crowne Plaza
Trafford Hall
Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa
Chester Racecourse
Below: Will Roman Tours, shortlisted this year for Best Tourism Experience of the Year, repeat last year's winning performance in the same category?
