08 June 2009

Visit Chester & Cheshire Awards – the winners

The achievements of Cheshire’s top-performing tourism businesses were celebrated in style during this year’s glittering Visit Chester & Cheshire Awards presentation evening.

The sell-out event at Chester Racecourse saw popular presenter Mark Durden-Smith announce the winning nominations across 14 categories.

He commented: “Excellence in all areas is essential for a business not only to survive but to thrive in these trying economic times.

“All tonight’s winners have demonstrated that a commitment to quality, standards and going that extra mile can - and do - spell success.

“All those involved in this year’s awards - whether winners or runners up - have helped cement Cheshire’s well-deserved and ever-growing reputation as a welcoming county that has much to offer people of all ages and interests.”

This year’s awards were organised by Visit Chester & Cheshire, and supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Trinity Mirror and Virgin Trains.

Visit Chester & Cheshire Chairman Mike Cooksley added: “Standards have been higher than ever this year and judging proved extremely difficult!

“It is fantastic to see that there’s clearly a growing awareness throughout our visitor economy of the importance of quality and innovation, and that has been reflected by all this year’s winners.”

Many of the winners will automatically qualify for the England’s Northwest Tourism Awards, organised by the NWDA later this year. 

If successful at the regional level, they will take their place in the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence.

Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at the NWDA, added: “These awards recognise and reward the best of Cheshire’s tourism industry and I’d like to offer my congratulations to all of the winners.

“Cheshire consistently produces top quality entrants for the regional awards and I look forward to welcoming them to the England’s Northwest Awards later this year.”

Winners 2009

Event of the Year 2009
Nantwich Food & Drink Festival

Best Tourism Experience of the Year 2009
Roman Tours, Chester

Small Attraction of the Year 2009
Arley Hall & Gardens

Taste of Cheshire Award 2009
Walk Mill, Waverton

Large Hotel of the Year 2009
Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, Chester

Small Hotel of the Year 2009
Peckforton Castle, Tarporley

Bed & Breakfast of the Year 2009
Harrop Fold Farm, Macclesfield

Sustainable Tourism Award 2009
Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, Chester

Excellence in Business Tourism 2009
Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort and Spa, Chester

Large Attraction of the Year 2009
Tatton Park, Knutsford

Access for All Tourism Award 2009
Kerridge End Holiday Cottages, Macclesfield

Best Tourism Retail Business of the Year 2009
Corks Out, Chester

Best Tourism Website of the Year 2009
Blue Planet Aquarium, Ellesmere Port

Self Catering Holiday of the Year 2009
Kerridge End Holiday Cottages, Macclesfield

Ends

For further information contact Hems de Winter at de Winter PR & Marketing. Tel: 01244 320 677. Email: hems@dewinterpr.co.uk