Liverpool Convention Bureau is today celebrating local venues and attractions after its 2012 Annual Tourism Awards.
Announced at a ceremony hosted by the BT Convention Centre last night, the prestigious awards are organised by the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
The Awards recognise the efforts of local businesses in boosting the local economy and celebrate the quality and excellence of customer service, venue facilities, commitment to staff training and the level of welcome provided.
Excellence in Business Tourism was presented to the conference and events team at National Museums Liverpool, with Damian Jones from Base2Stay Liverpool beating off stiff competition from across the City Region to win Excellence in Customer Service. The ACC Liverpool also scooped the Excellence in Sustainable Tourism category.
For the third year running, Hope Street Hotel was named Hotel of the Year, whilst Staybridge Suites were named Serviced Apartments of the Year.
A special award for Outstanding Contribution to the Tourism Sector honoured The Beatles for their contribution to attracting visitors into the city. The accolade coincides with the 50th anniversary of the band’s formation this year and Sir Paul McCartney’s 70th birthday on Monday 18 June.
Another new award for 2012, the People’s Choice Award, was picked up by The Beatles Story - the museum experience charting an atmospheric journey into the life, culture and music of the iconic band. This category was voted for by the general public who chose the venue as their favourite attraction, restaurant, gallery or event space across the City Region.
Carol O’Reilly, Liverpool Convention Bureau Manager, comments: “These awards recognise and reward excellence in an important and growing sector for us. The winners and finalists all play a vital role in the region’s flourishing visitor economy, which currently generates £3billion a year.”
For visitors to the city looking for an authentic Liverpudlian experience, the awards also highlighted some of the best attractions including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, who won Culture and Heritage Experience of the Year, and the Leaf Tea Shop and Bar who were presented with Bar of the Year.