PUBS, hotels and popular attractions have been celebrated at county tourism awards.
Soap star Lucy-Jo Hudson was the special guest as the winners of the 2023/24 Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards were crowned.
The ceremony at Chester Cathedral on Thursday night (March 21) saw individuals and businesses behind the region’s £3.41 billion tourism sector given some well-earned recognition.
Across the 16 categories a record 87 nominations, up 29 per cent from the previous year, had been received across Cheshire East, Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester.
Some of the winners will go on to represent the county at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
A Cheshire resident herself, Lucy-Jo, whose TV credits include Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Doctors, was thrilled to host the event.
She said: “Cheshire is my adopted home and it was a real honour to be able to celebrate the truly marvellous individuals and businesses who make the region a perfect place to live, work and visit.
“The dedication of those behind Cheshire’s visitor economy is inspirational and the Marketing Cheshire Tourism Awards are a brilliant way to recognise this.”
There was some success for Mid-Cheshire at the awards, with The Bear’s Paw in Warmingham being named Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year while Quaryy Bank took home the prize for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism.
Meanwhile, Jodrell Bank picked up Team of the Year with judges noting the UNESCO World Heritage site was home to “a great team, doing amazing work”.
Trevor Brocklebank, chair of Marketing Cheshire and deputy chair of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership said: said: “The record number of entries is testament to the pride those behind the region’s world-class attractions and pioneering businesses have and just why our visitor economy is worth billions and attracts 50 million visitors a year. Another truly special night.”
Marketing Cheshire Tourism Award winners 2023/24
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award - National Trust, Quarry Bank
Best Tourism Marketing Project of the Year - Make A Sploosh at BeWILDerwood This Summer
Business Events Venue of the Year - Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year - Manor Wood Country Caravan Park
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award - Chester Zoo
Experience of the Year - A Taste of Chester Food Walking Tour, Tours Around Chester
Large Hotel of the Year - The Chester Grosvenor
New Tourism Business of the Year - Dark Chester Tour
Pub of the Year - The Pheasant Inn
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year - Enjoy the Pause Holiday Home - PauseUK
Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year - The Bear's Paw, Warmingham
Taste of Cheshire Award - New Chester Market
Team of the Year - Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement
Unsung Hero Award - Peter Rosenfeld, BusyBus
Visitor Attraction of the Year - Escapism Chester
Wedding Venue of the Year - Walton Hall and Gardens
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