Canal boat tours, eco-friendly hotels and craft fairs have been recognised as among the city’s best at last night’s Manchester Tourism Awards.
Fighting against fierce competition from tourism heavyweights like The Lowry and Manchester International Festival, last night’s glamorous award ceremony saw both new and old winners from across many different sectors.
The Lowry arts and entertainment centre at Salford Quays was named the ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’, while The Lowry Hotel took home the coveted ‘Hotel of the Year’ title.
Nick Brook-Sykes, director of tourism at Marketing Manchester, said: “Greater Manchester’s tourism industry continues to go from strength to strength and these awards are a fantastic means of demonstrating that.
“It’s a terrific occasion and a great opportunity to recognise some of the business, organisations and individuals that excel far beyond what is expected and set the standard for others across the region.
“I’m delighted for all of tonight’s winners and I wish the best of luck to those who are now eligible to go and compete on behalf of Greater Manchester at a national level at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.”
Check out whether your favourite attraction has made the list:
The Lowry Hotel featured again as employee Andrew Archibald was presented with the ‘Tourism Star of the Year’, with one judge commenting: “I want to meet this man! He sounds great and displays what excellent customer service is all about.”
Independent shopping emporium Afflecks Palace picked up the ‘Tourism Retailer of the Year’, with the Northern Quarter business commended for nurturing the growth of small businesses, complemented by excellent use of social media and the introduction of an online shop to target tourists.
The Wandering Duck Canal Boat Experience received the ‘Tourism Experience of the Year’ award as judges were captivated by the innovative and highly original experience on offer and the team’s devotion to the customer.
VITAL TRADE: Andrew Stokes, Chief Exec of Marketing Manchester, spoke on the importance of tourism to the city
(©Ian Howarth/Marketing Manchester, with thanks)
BBC Tours at MediaCityUK was applauded for its impressive staff training programme and collected the ‘Small Visitor Attraction’ award.
The Place Aparthotel, located next to Piccadilly Station was meanwhile confirmed as the ‘Serviced Apartments of the Year.’
The award for ‘Business Tourism’ went to The University of Manchester Conferences and Venues.
Judges praised the organisation for its role in developing the international profile of the city through its significant portfolio of conference and event venues and for presenting clear evidence of sustainability and accessibility.
PAST WINNER: Last year’s awards were hosted at The Lowry – this year’s ‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’ winner
(©Marketing Manchester, via YouTube, with thanks)
The ‘Sustainable Tourism’ award went to Novotel Manchester Centre, which was noted for its purposeful dedication to the environment.
Manchester International Festival and the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair were triumphant in the large and small ‘Event of the Year’ categories.
‘Restaurant of the Year’ went to the renowned Manchester House, while the title of ‘Best Entertainment Venue of the Year’ was picked up by Bury’s The Met.
The ‘People’s Choice Award for Best Tea Room’ went to Annie’s Restaurant & Tea Shop following an online public vote.
WELL DESERVED WIN: Businesses across the city got a chance to let their hair down last night as their hard work was recognised
(©Ian Howarth/Marketing Manchester, with thanks)
With approximately 1.1 million international visitors a year, Greater Manchester is the third most popular destination in the UK for overseas visitors to Britain.
The city’s tourism industry generates £6.6 billion a year for the local economy and supports 84,000 full-time equivalent jobs.
Top image courtesy of Neil Howard, with thanks
