Attractions from across Staffordshire acknowledged at glittering awards night
The biggest and brightest of the Staffordshire tourism and hospitality industry have been celebrated at a glittering awards ceremony.
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Businesses from across the county gathered at the Doubletree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent for the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards, sponsored by Staffordshire University and hosted by BBC Midlands Today’s Rebecca Wood.
An audience of more than 300 guests saw the winners of 20 categories announced, including National Memorial Arboretum, which won Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, Middleport Pottery for Small Visitor Attraction of the Year and The Plumicorn at The Tawny as Restaurant of the Year.
The Tawny Hotel was named Hotel of the Year, while The Fitzherbert Arms in Swynnerton won the Pub of the Year title, and Poms Lichfield won the Tea Room/Coffee Shop of the Year award.
The Experience of the Year went to Trentham Estate, for their Dusk Beaver Safari, while New Business of the Year was Lowe’s on Carter Street, Uttoxeter, World of Wedgwood won the International Tourism Award, and The Star at Cotton, Oakamoor, won the Casual Dining award.
Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year was Walnut House at The Duncombe Arms in Ellastone and the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year award went to Consall Valley Lodge near Cheadle.
And there were wins for Nelson’s Distillery & School’s David Hunter in the Unsung Hero category, Keele University Events & Conferencing for Business Events Venue of the Year, Alton Towers Resort, in the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism category, and Hoar Cross Hall in the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism category.
Lowe’s on Carter Street won Team of the Year, and the Rising Star Award went to Daniel West from The Upper House Hotel in Barlaston.
There was also a special award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism in Staffordshire presented to Clare Furnell-King, Regional General Manager of M&T Hotels, overseeing the Doubletree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent, in recognition of her leadership, her advocacy for the tourism industry, and her pride in Staffordshire.
Charlotte Cain, Staffordshire Investment Agency Manager at Staffordshire County Council, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate our amazing tourism sector.
“We’re attraction central, the biggest and best playground in the country and I’m incredibly proud of our tourism offer and everyone working in the sector.
"I would like to say a huge congratulations to all our winners and those highly commended and a big thanks to the Doubletree by Hilton Stoke-on-Trent for hosting the event.
“Tourism continues to boom here in Staffordshire, generating an estimated £2.3 billion for the local economy and employing thousands of people.
"This is due to the hard work and determination of our hospitality businesses to provide excellent and memorable visitor experiences.
“Once again a huge well done to the sector and good luck to our winners who now go forward to the national VisitEngland awards.”
The winners of 14 categories progress to represent Staffordshire at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, to be held at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on June 4.
