The Marketing Cheshire Annual Awards 2011 are now officially open! And this year’s awards promise to be even more dazzling and spectacular than ever!

This years glamorous awards bring together what was previously the Annual Awards and CATS to recognise the outstanding work delivered by all sectors of the tourism industry and the young professionals who work in it

Chris Brown, Chief Executive of Marketing Cheshire explains,
“This is a fantastic event showcasing the people and products that help to raise standards across the whole industry. We hope business use it as an opportunity to get the recognition they deserve with the chance to go straight through to compete at England level and potentially be the best in the country!”

“With a visitor economy valued at £1.78bn and supporting over 27,041 jobs there has never been a better time to join Marketing Cheshire and help celebrate with a fun and lively evening of awards and entertainment.”

The awards, which are open to both Marketing Cheshire members and non-members include thirteen categories, twelve which recognise business excellence and one new ‘Rising Star Award’ which recognises the huge variety of talent that exists in the industry.

Brendan Flannagan, Visitor Economy Manager at Cheshire East Borough Council comments,
“In 2009 & 2010 Tatton Park won ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’. This award clearly demonstrates to all our visitors our ongoing commitment to quality, innovation and service. We are delighted to be taking part again in the 2011 awards.”

Paul Gallon, General Manager at the Park Royal explains,
“With people becoming more discerning, customers now look for the best experiences that really go that extra mile. These awards are a fantastic way to help hotels and restaurants showcase the quality of their offering. ”

Held at the stunning new technology centre at West Cheshire College, Ellesemere Port on Friday 18th November, this year’s awards will move away from the traditional 3 course meal, instead the contemporary glass building will come alive with cocktails and canapés followed by a lively evening of awards and entertainment.

Sara Mogel, Principal at West Cheshire College confirms,
“Our brand new Creative and Services campus at Ellesmere Port is a landmark building providing world-class hospitality. We are thrilled Marketing Cheshire has chosen to host their awards with us this year. ”

Nominating this year is easier than ever! Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Marketing Cheshire corporate website - www.whycheshire.com/aboutus/about-us/annual-awards and completed and submitted electronically. More information about this and some useful guidelines can be found on the above web link.

Categories include:

• Bed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year
• Best Tourism Event
• Excellence in Business Tourism
• Holiday Park of the Year
• Large Hotel of the Year
• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
• Self Catering Holiday Provider of the Year
• Small Hotel of the Year
• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
• Sustainable Tourism
• Taste of Cheshire
• Tourism Experience of the Year
• Rising Star Award

The FINAL deadline for nominations is 5pm on Wednesday 21st of September 2011 with judging commencing the following week.

For further information, please contact:
Rebecca Wainwright R.wainwright@marketingcheshire.co.uk
Marketing Cheshire
Tel: 01244 405617