Businesses in Sefton are invited to get your nominations in for the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2024.
Applications are now officially open for the prestigious awards, with two new additional categories for businesses to enter.
Liverpool Cathedral will play host to the ceremony on Thursday 27th February 2025 – when the region will recognise and reward the very best tourism businesses.
You can apply here: www.lcrtourismawards.com
Several Southport businesses were celebrated when the previous event took place at Liverpool Cathedral – and more are encouraged to take part now.
Sunnyside Guest House, on Bath Street – which won Guest House of the Year the previous year – won the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award.
B&B and Guest House of the Year was The Braemar Southport, on Bath Street, in a clean sweep for Southport in this category. Sunnyside Guest House and Bowden Lodge.on Albert Road, were finalists.
The Windmill pub on Seabank Road in Southport town centre was recognised as Finalist in the Pub of the Year category for the third year in a row.
Tik Taco Mexican cantina on Coronation Walk and Season Coffee, Bar and Kitchen on King Street in Southport were recognised in the top 10 in the Hidden Gem category.
The Eden warehouse on West street was a Finalist in the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category.
Elsewhere in Sefton, Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa was a Finalist in Hotel of the Year while The Lake House Waterloo was a finalist in the Hidden Gem category.
The 19 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2024 categories cover all aspects of the visitor economy including accommodation, hospitality, attractions and tours.
The two new categories for 2024 are the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, and the International Tourism Award. Both these categories, along with thirteen others are carried by VisitEngland which means winners of these categories will go forward to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2025.
Tony Hall CBE, Lord Hall of Birkenhead and Chair of the recently established Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) said,
“I am delighted to support this year’s Tourism Awards, in my first year of Chair of the LVEP. Tourism is the lifeblood of the economy across the Liverpool City Region and it’s important that we take time to recognise and celebrate our diverse and dynamic offer to visitors and shine the spotlight on the fantastic businesses and people that make up the sector.
“We have seen great success coming out of these awards at a national level and once again we were delighted to have two of our winners represented at the national Visit England Awards for Excellence in June 2024. I would encourage businesses to be part of what our fantastic visitor economy has to offer.”
In 2023 there were over 55 million visitors to the city region, generating over £5bn for the local economy. Figures for 2024 will be published soon.
Councillor Mike Wharton, Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade said:
“Figures show just how important tourism is to the Liverpool City Region and these awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise the incredible work that is achieved in the sector and celebrate our unique and diverse tourism offering. I would urge as many businesses as possible to get involved and enter this year’s awards.”
Katie Bentley, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications
Liverpool BID Company and returning headline sponsor for the fourth year, said:
“After what has been an incredible year, we are delighted to be able to offer our continued support for the annual awards, showcasing the very best in what is a world-famous tourism industry. We often say that the tourism industry showcases the very best Liverpool City Region has to offer; a warm welcome, a passion for the city and a determination to always strive further. We are excited to see the entries and wish everyone the very best of luck!”
Louise Williams, Eden Warehouse
Anthony Duffey, Sunnyside Guest House
Andy harrison, Southport Bijou Cinema
Picture by Gareth Jones
Along with headline sponsor, Liverpool BID Company, also confirmed as associate sponsor is Liverpool ONE with category sponsors ACC Liverpool, Bolland & Lowe, BDO LLP, Kimpton, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Football Club, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, London Northwestern Railway, Merseyrail, PIB Insurance, The Guide Liverpool, The Metro, Ticket Quarter, Virgin Experience Days and Wild Thang.
Applications are now open until Thursday 19th September 2024 and all tourism related businesses based in the Liverpool City Region are invited to apply. For a full list of categories go to www.lcrtourismawards.com
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