Manchester scoops top awards at regional tourism ‘Oscars’

29th September 2009

Three of Manchester’s top tourism businesses were named the best in the Northwest at the sixth annual England’s Northwest Tourism Awards last night (Monday 28th September).

Organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the prestigious event aims to drive up the quality of the visitor experience across the region by rewarding excellence in the tourism industry. This year’s event was held at Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom and was hosted by BBC North West Tonight presenter Ranvir Singh.

Imperial War Museum North was named the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year after it received one of the highest mystery shop scores ever achieved in the awards. Large Hotel of the Year went to The Lowry, which wowed the judges with its customer service and excellent dining experience. Wigan TIC was named the Northwest’s Tourist Information Centre of the Year after it came out on top in a mystery shopping exercise commissioned by the NWDA.

The Lowry also received a judges’ commendation in the Excellence in Business Tourism category.

In addition to receiving a prestigious title and trophy, regional winners now 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. These winners are some of the best of the best. They are delivering a distinctive product, outstanding quality and value for money, that’s why even in the present economic climate they continue to do so well.

“These awards recognise and reward the leaders in what is a very competitive industry. I am confident we will do very well when some of them represent us in the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence next year.”

 Nick Brooks-Sykes, director of tourism at the NWDA, added: “Tourism is an important industry in the Northwest, contributing over £13 billion to our economy every year. The NWDA is committed to helping the industry to improve its competitiveness, and these awards play an important role in encouraging the quality and standards that we need to be an international player. These businesses are setting the standards for others to follow.”

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, the tourist board for Greater Manchester, said: “It’s great to see The Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry Hotel receiving the recognition they so deserve. Large Visitor Attraction and Large Hotel of the Year are arguably the two biggest awards given out on the night and I’m delighted that Manchester will represent the Northwest in these categories at the national awards in April next year.

"Wigan’s success in the Tourism Information Centre of the Year category is also proof at how important the borough towns are in the wider city-region tourism experience.”

ENDS