Tourism awards race towards photo finish
Published: 8 August 2011
Yorkshire's tourism businesses are under starter's orders as they hurtle towards the finishing post at the biggest tourism awards ceremony of the year.
Following the recent announcement that horse racing is worth over £200million to the regional economy, Welcome to Yorkshire has chosen A Night at the Races for the theme of the White Rose Awards 2011.
Hosted for the first time at Doncaster Racecourse on Monday 10th October, tickets go on sale today for what is anticipated to be a major departure from standard award ceremonies.
Inviting the county's tourism industry to join in this year's winning event, Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "This night will be a unique affair where we aim to make this year's White Rose Awards our most exciting awards ceremony yet. We hope more people than ever before will be backing our finalists and celebrating the achievements of the winning entries."
Yorkshire's most spectacular and prestigious tourism awards event was a sell-out last year, having attracted over a thousand guests from across Yorkshire and will no doubt be a run-away hit once again.
The high-regard in which the White Rose Awards are held means that competition in each category gets fiercer every year. For those shortlisted there is a chance to claim glory in one of sixteen different award categories, all of which acknowledge the very best of Yorkshire's tourism industry.
Mr Verity continues: "The Awards are an annual opportunity to recognise the efforts of our amazing visitor attractions, guest accommodation, restaurants and pubs. The event strengthens the profile of Yorkshire as an outstanding tourism destination, as well as providing an enjoyable and glamorous night's entertainment."
Mark Spincer, Managing Director at Doncaster Racecourse, said: "Being selected as the venue for the prestigious White Rose Awards is indeed a major achievement for Doncaster Racecourse, as a team we are delighted. Our plan for this year as a business was to increase the levels of our non-racing business, at the same time delivering an exceptional experience; alongside Welcome to Yorkshire we have worked to create a first class package for what has to be one of the regions' best annual events."
People interested in attending the awards should visit www.whiteroseawards.com, email info@whiteroseawards.com or call 0113 322 3508.
-Ends-
Editors' Notes:
- Welcome to Yorkshire is the official destination management organisation for Yorkshire, working to grow the county's visitor economy.
- Welcome to Yorkshire is funded by Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency charged with improving the Yorkshire and Humber economy, and Welcome to Yorkshire members.
- Key facts include:
- Tourism in Yorkshire is worth £7 billion annually
- The county's industry employs almost a quarter of a million people
- There are 216 million visits to Yorkshire each year
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For further information contact:
Beverley Richmond - Press Officer
Email: brichmond@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3507
Mobile: 07769 257380
Jo Francisco - Press Officer
Email: jfrancisco@yorkshire.com
Direct Line: 0113 322 3563
Mobile: 07769257327