Chester tourism’s top performers make the shortlist

 Best Of Chester 

 Chester’s top tourism businesses have demonstrated true commitment to quality by making the shortlist of the most prestigious awards for the region’s tourism industry.  

More than 50 of Cheshire’s top tourism providers, including Chester Racecourse and Barlounge, have been shortlisted for the highly esteemed Visit Chester & Cheshire Annual Awards after a record-breaking number of hotels, B&Bs, attractions and other tourism-related businesses decided to bid for honours.

Emma Bellis, of award organisers Visit Chester & Cheshire, said: “We have received a record number of nominations this year which demonstrates that many businesses and organisations see striving for success and excellence in their field as an important part in helping them to stand out from the competition.

“With people becoming more discerning, customers now look for the best experiences that also offer great value for money and go that extra mile. These awards can help hotels and restaurants showcase the quality of their offering. With so many fantastic entries to choose from the judging panel have found it particularly difficult this year to short-list the candidates, so I’m sure it’s going to be a real challenge to decide on one winner in each category!”

The short-listed candidates for all fifteen categories, which include Small Hotel of the Year and the Taste of Cheshire Award for businesses who are primarily focussed on selling and using local produce, are now being judged by a panel of industry experts.

The winners will be revealed at a star-studded ceremony set to take place in June at Chester Racecourse. 

Winners of a number of categories will automatically qualify for this year’s England’s Northwest Tourism Awards, organised by the NWDA. If successful, they may go on to take part in the National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence like Arley Hall and Gardens and Kerridge End Holiday Cottage last year.

The VCC Annual Awards were launched in 2004 to celebrate excellence, achievement and innovation within the visitor economy.

This year’s awards are supported by The Environment Agency amongst other sponsors.

For further information visit www.visitchesterandcheshire.co.uk or tel: 01244 405600.

VCC Awards 2010 Shortlist

 

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Salt Museum

Go Ape!

Chester Heritage Tours

Anson Engine Museum

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Blue Planet Aquarium

Tatton Park

Anderton Boat Lift

Stockley Farm Park

 

B&B of the Year

Chester Stone Villa

Harrop Fold Farm

Churton Heath Farm

 

Self Catering Holiday of the Year

The Courtyard Helsby

Brook House Farm Cottage

Mellow Brook Cottage at Harrop Fold Farm

Commonhall Apartments

Watergate Nook

Small Hotel of the Year

Alexandra Court Hotel

Peckforton Castle

Inglewood Manor

Nunsmere Hall Hotel

 

Large Hotel of the Year

Best Western Queen Hotel

Crowne Plaza

Doubletree by Hilton

The Park Royal Hotel

Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Caravan Holiday Park of the Year

Elm Cottage Touring Park

Manor Wood Caravan Park

 

Best Tourism Experience of the Year

Blue Planet Aquarium

Cheshire Farm Ice Cream

Anderton Boat Lift

Roman Tours

 

Sustainable Tourism Award

The Park Royal Hotel

Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Chester Zoo

Ness Botanic Gardens

Access for All Award

Anderton Boat Lift

Crowne Plaza

 

Best Tourism Website of the Year

Blue Planet Aquarium

Happy Guests Lodge

Chester Racecourse

 

Best Tourism Event

Spooky World

Tatton Park

Chester Races, Chester Racecourse

Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival

Cholmondeley Pageant of Power

 

Taste of Cheshire Award

Harrop Fold Farm

The Duke of Portland

Chester Racecourse

Tatton Park

Food and Drink Venue of the Year

Barlounge

Residence Restaurant and Bar

Panacea Restaurant and Bar

The Coach House

Cabbage Hall

Excellence in Business Tourism

Peckforton Castle

Crowne Plaza

Trafford Hall

Carden Park Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa

Chester Racecourse