Nigel Haworth scoops top award at regional tourism ‘Oscars’

Last night (Monday 28th September, 2009) the region’s top tourism businesses and professionals gathered in Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom for the sixth annual England’s Northwest Tourism Awards.

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 hosted by BBC North West Tonight presenter Ranvir Singh.

A total of 18 accolades were handed out, including the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award which was presented to Nigel Haworth of Northcote near Blackburn. The Lancashire-born chef was recognised for his work as an ambassador for the region’s fantastic food.

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

The winners are:

• Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award – Nigel Haworth, Northcote, near Blackburn
• Large Hotel of the Year  - The Lowry Hotel, Manchester
• Small Hotel of the Year – Gilpin Lodge Country House Hotel, Windermere
• Bed and Breakfast of the Year – The Ashton, Lancaster
• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – Imperial War Museum North, Manchester
• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire
• Self Catering Holiday of the Year – Hall Hills, Dalston, near Carlisle
• Holiday Park of the Year – Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park, Keswick, Cumbria
• Excellence in Business Tourism – Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool
• Taste of England’s Northwest – Low Sizergh Barn Farm Shop, Kendal, Cumbria
• Tourism Experience of the Year – Farmaggedon, near Ormskirk, Lancashire
• Excellence in Customer Service – Christina Dixon, Jurys Inn, Liverpool
• Sustainable Tourism Award – Arena and Convention Centre, Liverpool
• Tourism for All – Kerridge End Holiday Cottages, Macclesfield, Cheshire
• Tourism Event of the Year – Blackpool Illuminations
• Public Space Award – Pier Head Public Realm and Canal Link, Liverpool
• Tourist Information Centre of the Year – Wigan TIC
• Travel Journalist of the Year – Stephen McClarence, The Observer

Eight judges’ commendations were also handed out on the night, in recognition of the exceptionally high standards in a number of the award categories.

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 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.”