Manchester finalists race for regional tourism 'Oscars'

22nd September 2009

On Monday 28th September some of Manchester’s top tourism businesses will be vying to be named the best in the Northwest at the sixth annual England’s Northwest Tourism Awards.

The prestigious event is organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and aims to drive up the quality of the visitor experience across the region by rewarding excellence in the tourism industry.

This year’s event will be held at Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom and will be hosted by BBC North West Tonight presenter Ranvir Singh.

Winners from the 2009 Manchester Tourism Awards will be competing at a regional level for the title of the best in the Northwest.

In addition to receiving a prestigious title and trophy, regional winners will also have the opportunity to represent the Northwest in the national awards, organised by VisitEngland in April 2010.

Felicity Goodey, chair of Tourism England’s Northwest, said: “The  Northwest Tourism Awards have set a very high benchmark for the industry over the past few years, with many of our winners going on to triumph at the national awards. We know that we have some of the UK’s best tourism businesses here in the region and these awards recognise and reward the leaders in what is a very competitive industry, worth more than £13 billion to England’s Northwest.

“These businesses are delivering outstanding quality as well as value for money and even in the present economic climate they continue to be some of the most sought after.  All of the finalists are winners in their own areas, but perhaps more importantly they are setting the standards for others to follow.”

Nick Brooks-Sykes, director of tourism at the NWDA, added: “Tourism is hugely important to the Northwest and the NWDA is committed to helping the industry increase its competitiveness. These awards play an important role in encouraging quality and healthy competition as well as helping us to benchmark our performance against the rest of England.”

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said: “Manchester’s fourteen entries in the England’s Northwest Tourism Awards reflect a diverse experience that visitors to the region can enjoy.  We have a strong representation of excellent accommodation providers, great leisure facilities, events and attractions.      

“The city is a main gateway to the Northwest so I’m very proud that we’re championing such an inspired selection of nominees.  Of course, I hope there will be some Manchester winners at the awards who will go on to represent the city at next year’s national ceremony.  I wish all participants the very best of luck.”    

ENDS