Battle for Tourism Oscars
Story Published: 2 August 2010
Following a record breaking number of entries to the White Rose Awards, Welcome to Yorkshire has today revealed which tourism businesses will battle it out for the most prestigious tourism awards in the UK.
The eagerly awaited list boasts 90 of Yorkshire's best attractions, hotels, venues and individuals from the tourism industry. The list covers 16 categories (*categories and finalists listed at end), the winners from which will be announced at a glittering gala awards ceremony on the evening of 4th October at the Yorkshire Event Centre based at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.
Tickets for the White Rose Awards are being snapped up and the 90 finalists will be on the edge of their seats as the winners are announced in front of an estimated 1,000 guests.
Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said:
"The quality of this year's White Rose Awards entries is so incredibly high we had no choice but to increase the number of those shortlisted. This clearly demonstrates that the Yorkshire tourism industry has really stepped up its game in terms of quality and presence, both of which are vital if we are to achieve our aims to be the UK's best."
The award categories range from Best Visitor Experience of the Year and the Access for All Tourism Award to the Sustainable Tourism Award and Business Tourism Award. There is also a new category, Visitor Information Award, announced for 2010.
Previous winners have included: The Feversham Arms Hotel & Verbena Spa, Helmsley; Swinton Park, Masham; The Railway Children produced by York Theatre Royal and performed at The National Railway Museum; Sheffield City Hall, Sheffield; Residence 6, Leeds; The Yorkshire Waterways Museum, Goole, and Green's Restaurant, Whitby.
Judging is undertaken by a panel of independent judges and as in previous years this has been no easy task. Independent Chair of Judges, Barbara Woroncow OBE, complimented the standard of 2010's finalists:
"It is never easy to create a shortlist when the overall quality of submissions is of such an excellent standard. What is certain is that the finalist list really does represent some of our very best tourism attractions across the county, accommodation and experiences, from glamping to castles and mazes."
All winners from the national categories are automatically entered into the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010.
People interested in attending the White Rose Awards should visit click here, email info@whiteroseawards.com or call 0113 3223564.
View a full list of finalists.
For further information please contact:
Jo Francisco - Press Officer
Email: jfrancisco@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3563
Mobile: 07527 800681
Bev Richmond - Press Officer
Email: brichmond@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3507