Bournemouth Tourism Awards 2009

Bournemouth Tourism Awards 2009 - celebrate industry success!

Last night the Bournemouth Tourism Awards, the leading awards ceremony in the region, acknowledged the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of the resort’s industry that entertain accommodate and service over 5 million resort visitors each year.

Held at the Carrington House Hotel, the glittering awards ceremony was hosted by Neal Butterworth, Daily Echo Editor-in-Chief who captivated the audience of top industry professionals with an entertaining combination of nostalgia and sharp contemporary wit.  Over 250 members of the business community, tourism industry and dignitaries applauded the seventeen category winners and short-listed finalists. Alex Carter, Chairman of the award organisers Bournemouth Tourism Management Board said; “From ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ to ‘Customer Service’ and a well deserved ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism’ award for Michael Francis MBE, all have worked exceptionally hard to keep Bournemouth the number one resort and on behalf of the Board, congratulations to this year’s winners.”

A special new award was presented to John Butterworth of FJB to recognise the significant and sustained tourism investment across the conurbation from this family business.

The Bournemouth Tourism Awards were also the chosen event to acknowledge a year of tourism success, awards and accolades won this year by the UK’s leading resort, which include the Group Leisure Award 2009 for ‘Best UK resort’, ‘Best Place for a ‘Staycation’ (Virgin Money Travel Insurance) and four European blue flag awards – not forgetting another successful Air Festival, which recorded record numbers of visitors to the resort.

Mark Smith, Director of Bournemouth Tourism said: “Our customers have voted Bournemouth as Britain’s top resort in 2009 so our local tourist award winner really can claim to be the best of the best. It is encouraging to see how the winners are raising the bar every year to keep our position as clear market leader.”

Award categories, winners and short listed finalists 2009

1. Outstanding Customer Service of the Year – Highcliff Marriott Hotel

Highly Commended: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Magnums Restaurant & Bar, BIC & Pavilion

 

2. Large Hotel of the Year – The Cumberland

Highly Commended: Best Western Connaught Hotel, Carrington House Hotel, Village Hotel & Leisure Club

3. Contribution to International Education – Westbourne Academy

Highly Commended: ETC International College

 

4. Best Evening Experience Entertainment of the Year – Bournemouth International Centre

Highly Commended: Urban Beach, Funnybone Comedy Club, Aruba Restaurant & Bar, 1812

 

5. Best Shopping Experience – Fab Frocks Highly Commended: Solutions inc., Oceanarium

 

6. Sustainable Tourism Initiative of the Year – OceanariumHighly Commended: Front Bike Hire

 

7. Contribution to the Conference/ Business Tourism Sector – The Lifeboat College

Highly Commended: Bournemouth International Conference Bureau, Best Western The Connaught Hotel

8. Small Hotel/ Guest Accommodation of the Year – Fenn LodgeHighly Commended: Urban Beach, Grovefield Manor

 

9.Tourism Investment Award

John Butterworth

10. Marketing Initiative of the Year – Oceanarium

Highly Commended: Transdev Yellow Buses, Village Hotel & Leisure Club

 

11. Medium Sized Hotel of the Year – Best Western Montague Hotel

Highly Commended: Langtry Manor Hotel

 

12. Tourism Attraction Experience of the Year – Go Ape!Highly Commended: Oceanarium, Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Tank Museum, The Bournemouth Eye

 

13. Transport Initiative of the Year – Wilts & DorsetHighly Commended: Excelsior Coaches Ltd, Transdev Yellow Buses

 

14. Taste of Bournemouth – The Highcliff Grill Highly Commended: Bar Ventana, Blakes, Aruba Restaurant & Bar, Reef Encounter

 

15. Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year – Andy PriceHighly Commended: Mark Cribb, Ross Ceaton

16. Camping and Caravan Park/Self Catering Establishment of the Year – Hoburne Naish

Highly Commended: Riverside Park, Bournecoast Hartford Court

 

17. Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

Michael Francis MBE