Marketing Lancashire, the county’s destination management organisation, will be returning to The Blackpool Tower’s unique ballroom on Thursday 9 November for the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017 with the University of Central Lancashire as Headline Sponsor; the event, now in its 12th year, is the only county-wide awards ceremony that recognises the achievements of Lancashire’s £3.8billion visitor economy and the 56,000 people who work in it.
Applications open on Thursday 1 June for awards in 22 categories to find and celebrate Lancashire’s best in class with two, brand new awards that cast a spotlight on Lancashire Cafés/Tearooms and the county’s growing number of Dog-Friendly establishments; there’s an award to suit every tourism business, from Large Hotel to Small Event, as well as the Tourism Superstar award, which highlights an individual who has made a significant difference to the industry.
Tony Attard OBE, Chair of the Board of Marketing Lancashire on the announcement of the launch today said, “The annual Lancashire Tourism Awards is an important acknowledgement of the £3.8billion contribution that tourism makes to the local economy and our finalists in each category, without doubt, represent the very best in Lancashire tourism.
“Each year the judges are impressed by the standard of entries to the awards, and by the enterprise and commitment to excellence of the businesses taking part. They provide
exceptional experiences and outstanding customer service to the 64million visitors who choose to take their short breaks and holidays in the county.
“The event itself is a very proud moment for me as Chairman of Marketing Lancashire and I look forward to congratulating this year’s finalists and winners in the majestic surroundings of The Blackpool Tower Ballroom.”
Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire comments, “It always gives me great pleasure to see so many wonderful tourism businesses, inspiring teams and dedicated individuals taking part in the awards. I’m also delighted that so many partners and sponsors, led by Headline Sponsor the University of Central Lancashire, share our enthusiasm for celebrating Lancashire’s tourism successes.
“With more people visiting Lancashire than ever before, with the development of new accommodation, attractions and experiences, Lancashire’s tourism sector continues to thrive and offer opportunities for employment and economic growth that benefit the whole county.”
Ruth adds “The team at Marketing Lancashire is looking forward to returning to The Blackpool Tower Ballroom, one of the country’s best-loved and truly magnificent attractions, for what I’m sure will be an unforgettable evening for all involved and a perfect showcase for this year’s stars of Lancashire tourism.”
A range of attractive sponsorship packages are available, each offering businesses the opportunity to profile and align their brand with the county’s foremost tourism industry awards. Blackpool and The Fylde College, Brilliant Trees, Huddle Media, Napthens, Northcote at the Rovers, NPD, Total Foodservice and headline sponsor The University of Central Lancashire have already committed their support. For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities please contact: Maria Moriarty Eames, Head of Partnerships on 01772 426 454
Applications for the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017 open on Thursday 1 June and will close on Monday 4 September. It is free to enter the awards and the shortlist will be announced the week commencing 25 September. For category details, application forms, regular updates visit lancashiretourismawards.com and to keep in touch with the latest awards news follow @MarketingLancs #LTA17 on Twitter. To view a film showing highlights of last year’s event click here.
Lancashire Tourism Awards 2017 Categories:
Business Tourism Provider Award *
Culture & Heritage Award
Dog Friendly Award* (new)
Guest Accommodation Award *
Inclusive Tourism Award *
Lancashire Café/Tearoom Award (new)
Lancashire Producers & Makers Award
Lancashire Pub/Inn Award *
Large Hotel Award *
Large Tourism Event Award
Large Visitor Attraction Award *
New Business Award
Retail Experience Award
Self-Catering Holiday Award *
Small Hotel Award *
Small Tourism Event Award
Small Visitor Attraction Award *
Sustainable Tourism Award *
Taste Lancashire Award *
Tourism Superstar Award
Visitor Experience Award
Wedding Venue Award
