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Revealed – winners of the city region tourism awards

Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards took place at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday evening where all the winners were revealed. Tony McDonough reports

National Museums Liverpool (NML) and the National Trust both won two accolades each at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.

On Thursday evening, hundreds of guests were at Liverpool Cathedral to see the winners of the awards, organised by Growth Platform , revealed. Former England hockey player turned broadcaster Sam Quek was the host for the evening.

NML scooped two awards. The Museum of Liverpool won Business Events Venue of the Year, and employee at Hosted by NML, Neve Sutton, won the award for Tourism Young Person of the Year.

The National Trust picked up both Large Visitor Attraction of the Year for Speke Hall, and Experience of the Year for The Beatles’ Childhood Homes tour.

And the ‘Hidden Gem’ award – the only category voted for by the public, recognising the region’s best kept secret, went to Southport’s Bijou Cinema.

Other winners on the night included Liverpool Gin Distillery for Pub of the Year, Small Attraction of the Year went to the British Music Experience and Antonio’s Bar & Grill, based in Prescot won Restaurant of the Year.

For the second year running Titanic picked up best hotel, with Escape Live Liverpool winning New Tourism Business of the Year.

Outstanding Contribution Award went to Paul Beesley – who has been part of Liverpool’s tourism scene for 40 years, working in both the business and leisure sides.

He has chaired committees, represented the city region at trade shows, and is the only individual tour guide in the UK to hold the Visit England ‘Quality Assured Tour’ accreditation.

Mark Basnett, managing director at Growth Platform, said: “It’s been a truly wonderful evening, full of inspiration and celebration. Huge congratulations to each and every winner.

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“We have much to celebrate and shout about across our city region, and at the heart of all of it is our visitor economy. This success story is thanks to every person here tonight along with many others who have helped drive this sector to become what it is today.”

Headline sponsors of the awards were Liverpool BID Company . Chief executive Billy Addy said: “Tourism is a vital economic driver in Liverpool city region. Each year we invest in attracting visitors, in showcasing the best the city has to offer, from food and drink to culture and spectacle.

“With Eurovision as a key highlight this year there has never been a better time to celebrate those who make our tourism industry the world class story it is”.

Associate sponsors were Liverpool ONE and Lexus Liverpool. Category sponsors were ACC Liverpool, BDO, Bolland & Lowe, EPIC, Knowsley Safari, Liverpool Cathedral, Lu Ban Restaurant, Merseyrail, Mr Yum, National Museums Liverpool, The Guide Liverpool, Ticket Quarter, Wild Thang and Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

The awards were also supported by Marketing Liverpool, The Metro, MSP Global, Hi Impact Media, Owen Drew and Virgin Experience Days, with the charity partners being Hospitality Action and Local Solutions My Time.

Winners were as follows:

Tourism Young Person of the Year – sponsored by Wild Thang

WINNER: Neve Sutton, Hosted by National Museums Liverpool

Unsung Hero Award – sponsored by Liverpool ONE

WINNER: Kayleigh Cox, Lu Ban Restaurant

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Veronica Matthews, Pullman Liverpool

Independent Tourism Business of the Year – sponsored by Bolland & Lowe

WINNER: The Romans

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award – sponsored by Lexus Liverpool

WINNER: Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust

Business Events Venue of the Year – sponsored by ACC Liverpool

WINNER: Museum of Liverpool

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – sponsored by Ticket Quarter

WINNER: British Music Experience

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – sponsored by Wirral Chamber of Commerce

WINNER: National Trust, Speke Hall

New Tourism Business of the Year – sponsored by EPIC

WINNER: Escape Live Liverpool

Resilience and Innovation Award – sponsored by BDO

WINNER: St Luke’s Bombed Out Church CIC

Experience of the Year – sponsored by Merseyrail

WINNER: National Trust, The Beatles’ Childhood Homes

Pub of the Year – sponsored by Mr Yum

WINNER: Liverpool Gin Distillery

Taste Award – Café/Bistro of the Year – sponsored by National Museums Liverpool

WINNER: Bold Street Coffee

Taste Award – Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Knowsley Safari

WINNER: Antonio’s Bar & Grill

Hidden Gem – sponsored by The Guide Liverpool

WINNER: Southport Bijou Cinema

B&B and Guest House of the Year – sponsored by Liverpool Cathedral

WINNER: Sunnyside Guest House Southport

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year – sponsored by Lu Ban Restaurant

WINNER: The Eden Warehouse

Hotel of the Year – sponsored by Liverpool BID Company

WINNER: Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism – sponsored by Growth Platform

WINNER: Paul Beesley

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LIVERPOOL Cathedral provided the backdrop for the 2024 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.

Recognising excellence across the city region’s tourism and hospitality industry for 2023, the annual awards are delivered by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company.

Councillor Mike Wharton, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Business said:  “The Tourism Awards enable us to celebrate and showcase what the city region has to offer across the visitor economy. To see so many entries not only shows how prestigious these awards are but also the amount of healthy competition we have – which continues to push tourism standards up. As a growth sector this brings both economic benefits and increases the city region’s reputation. Huge congratulations to all the winners as well as the shortlisted businesses and individuals.”

Full list of winners:  

Tourism Young Person of the Year – sponsored by City of Liverpool College and Hospitality Hero WINNER: James Duckworth, Shakespeare North Playhouse HIGHLY COMMENDED: Amber Kinrade, Strawberry Field

Unsung Hero Award – sponsored by Liverpool ONE WINNER: Meg Terzza, Shakespeare North Playhouse HIGHLY COMMENDED: Chris Duffy, Hilton Liverpool

B&B and Guest House of the Year – sponsored by Liverpool Cathedral WINNER: The Braemar Southport

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year – sponsored by National Museums Liverpool        WINNER: Staybridge Suites Liverpool

Hotel of the Year – sponsored by Liverpool BID Company         WINNER: Hope Street Hotel HIGHLY COMMENDED: Novotel Paddington Village

Business Events Venue – sponsored by ACC Liverpool WINNER: Spaces at The Spine

New Tourism Business Award – sponsored by BDO LLP WINNER: Shakespeare North Playhouse  

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award – sponsored by Lexus Liverpool WINNER: Sunnyside Guest House HIGHLY COMMENDED: Leonardo Hotels Liverpool

Independent Tourism Business of the Year – sponsored by Bolland & Lowe WINNER: Manifest HIGHLY COMMENDED: Fab 4 Taxi Tours

Eurovision Experience of the Year – sponsored by West Midlands Trains WINNER: Invisible Wind Factory presents Aquatopia – The Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade HIGHLY COMMENDED: National Museums Liverpool

Taste of Liverpool Award – Café/Bistro of the Year – sponsored by PIB Insurance       WINNER: The Watering Can

Taste of Liverpool Award – Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by Knowsley Safari  WINNER: The Art School

Pub of the Year – sponsored by Wild Thang        WINNER: The Red Fox Thornton Hough   Entertainment Venue of the Year – sponsored by Kimpton WINNER: M&S Bank Arena SPECIAL RECOGNITION: Liverpool Philharmonic HIGHLY COMMENDED: Future Yard

Experience of the Year – sponsored by Merseyrail          WINNER: Liverpool Food Tours – A Taste of Liverpool Food Walking Tour  

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – sponsored by Ticket Quarter      WINNER: Strawberry Field HIGHLY COMMENDED: Liverpool Beatles Museum

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – sponsored by Liverpool John Lennon Airport             WINNER: Liverpool Cathedral

Liverpool City Region Hidden Gem WINNER: The Bus Yard

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism – sponsored by Growth Platform WINNER: Chris Brown

Associate sponsors were Liverpool ONE and Lexus Liverpool. Category sponsors were ACC Liverpool, Bolland & Lowe, BDO LLP, City of Liverpool College, The Guide Liverpool, Hospitality Hero, Kimpton, Knowsley Safari, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Merseyrail, National Museums Liverpool, PIB Insurance, Ticket Quarter, West Midlands Trains and Wild Thang.

The awards were also supported by Cool Breeze Events, Arts Bar Baltic, Liverpool Football Club, The Metro, MSP Global and Virgin Experience Days, with the charity partner Local Solutions My Time.

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Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards

And the winner is…

We are extremely proud to be this years  Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award winner!

The winners were announced at a ceremony in February 2023 at Liverpool Cathedral following judging by an independent panel of industry experts.

We are so proud to have held this title 2 year in a row with a nomination for the award in 2023. We are always reviewing our practices trying to ensure that we are looking after the plant collection, the building and the people within it. We can only thank everyone who contributes to maintaining this award.

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Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2024 Finalists revealed with several Southport finalists

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The 2024 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards Finalists can today be revealed – with several superb Southport businesses in the running for top awards. 

The annual awards recognise and reward excellence across the regions tourism and hospitality sector and are delivered by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company.

Sunnyside Guest House in Southport has been shortlisted in no less than THREE categories. 

The Windmill pub on Seabank Road is a Finalist for Pub Of The Year for the third year in a row. 

The B&B and Guest House of the Year will definitely see a Southport winner this year, with all three Finalists from our town: The Bowden Lodge; The Braemar Southport; and Sunnyside Guest House. 

The Eden Warehouse on West Street in Southport is once again a Finalist in the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category. 

Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa is the only Sefton contender for Hotel of the Year, up against six contenders from Liverpool city centre. 

Sunnyside Guest House in Southport won the Bronze Award at the 2023 Visit England Awards for Excellence. Owners Anthony and Larissa Duffey

With record entries this year, the applications have been narrowed down by an expert judging panel and will now go forward to the awards ceremony taking place at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday 29th February 2024.

The 19 categories this year include awards for Hotel of the Year, Experience of the Year, New Tourism Business and Unsung Hero. Twelve of the winners will then go forward to the Visit England Awards for Excellence in June 2024, at which Liverpool hotel, Titanic won gold at the 2023 ceremony earlier this summer.

Janet Nuzum, Sector Lead for Visitor Economy at Growth Platform said:

“We are delighted to have received record entries for the Tourism Awards this year as the support for the awards continues to grow and businesses recognise the value of being involved.

“In particular it is pleasing to see so many entries for the two new categories – Entertainment Venue of the Year and the Eurovision Experience Award which demonstrates the breadth of venues we have across the city region and also how businesses fully embraced Eurovision in such a unique way. 

“Special thanks go to our experienced panel of judges who have had a difficult job in shortlisting this year as the quality of entries was so high.”

The 2023 Your Southport Stars Awards, organised by Southport BID, was held at The Vincent Hotel in Southport. Tom Hodkin and Neil Walsh from The Windmill pub in Southport Photo by Bertie Cunningham

Bill Addy, Chief Executive at Liverpool BID Company and Headline Sponsor, said:

“What an incredible shortlist we have and how well they reflect our vibrant and committed tourism sector. 

“We know how critical this industry is to our city region. Liverpool is the fifth most visited city in the UK for overseas tourists and the fourth for domestic visitors. It is these businesses that provide both the attraction, the welcome and the purpose for the visit. They are the oil that keeps our vibrant visitor economy running and I am delighted for each one on the shortlist.”

Today organisers are also announcing the ‘Hidden Gem’ category will be back again for 2023 and sponsored by The Guide Liverpool. 

Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards at the Anglican Cathedral, Liverpool on 2nd March, 2023. Picture Jason Roberts

This category will be voted for by members of the public and will recognise the region’s ‘best kept secret.’ 

Hidden Gems could be attractions, bars, restaurants, tours, or natural assets which are off the main tourism trail. By nominating a ‘Hidden Gem,’ they could be catapulted into the Tourism Awards spotlight.

Please click here to nominate your Hidden Gem – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/LCRHIDDENGEM2023

The headline sponsor is Liverpool BID Company, with associate sponsors Liverpool ONE and Lexus Liverpool.

Other confirmed sponsors and event partners are ACC Liverpool, Bolland & Lowe, BDO LLP, The Guide Liverpool, Kimpton, Knowsley Safari Park, Liverpool Cathedral, Merseyrail, MSP Global, My Time, NML, The Metro, PIB Insurance, Ticket Quarter, Virgin Experience Days, West Midlands Trains and Wild Thang.

The full 2024 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards shortlist is:

B&b and guest house of the year.

The Bowden Lodge, Southport 

The Braemar Southport

Sunnyside Guest House, Southport 

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year           

The Eden Warehouse, Southport 

Quest Apartments Liverpool City Centre

Staybridge Suites Liverpool

Hotel of the Year     

Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa

Hope Street Hotel

INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool

Malmaison Liverpool

Novotel Liverpool Paddington Village

Pullman Liverpool

Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Business Events Venue

Escape Live Liverpool

The Jockey Club Venues – Aintree Racecourse

Spaces at The Spine

New Tourism Business Award      

Brewery Bus Tours

Eureka! Science + Discovery

Liverpool Famous Walking Tours

Radisson Red Liverpool

Shakespeare North Playhouse

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

Sunnyside Guest House, Southport

Antonio’s Bar & Grill

Leonard Hotel Liverpool

Liverpool Philharmonic

The Palm House Sefton Park

Independent Tourism Business of the Year         

Arts Bar Hope Street

Fab 4 Taxi Tours

Eurovision Experience of the Year

British Music Experience

Invisible Wind Factory presents Aquatopia – The Blue and Yellow Submarine Parade

John Lewis & Partners Liverpool

Liverpool Tourist Information Centre

National Museums Liverpool

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

The City of Liverpool College

Taste of Liverpool Award – Café / Bistro of the Year         

Bean Coffee Roasters Liverpool ONE

The Watering Can

The Welsford Bistro

Taste of Liverpool Award – Restaurant of the Year        

Baltic Market

Delifonseca Dockside

The Art School

The London Carriage Works

Pub of the Year        

The Windmill Southport

The Hightown Pub & Kitchen

The Red Fox Thornton Hough

Experience of the Year       

Liverpool Food Tours – A Taste of Liverpool Food Walking Tour

Mersey Tunnel Tours

National Trust, The Beatles’ Childhood Homes

The Magical Mystery Tour

Viking Quest Adventure Golf

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year            

LFC Stadium Tours & Experiences

Liverpool Cathedral

Mersey Ferries

Museum of Liverpool

National Trust, Speke Hall

The Beatles Story

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year           

Liverpool Beatles Museum

Strawberry Field

Entertainment Venue of the Year

Future Yard

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse

Liverpool’s Royal Court

M&S Bank Arena

The Cavern Club

Tourism Young Person of the Year          

Yasmin Rainbow, Hilton Liverpool

Natash Elston, Holiday Inn Express Royal Albert Dock

James Duckworth, Shakespeare North Playhouse

Amber Kinrade, Strawberry Field

Alex Zervos, The Art School

Unsung Hero Award

Chris Duffy, Hilton Liverpool

Tracey Sellars, Holiday Inn Liverpool

Roy Forshaw, National Museums Liverpool

Caitlin French, Pullman Liverpool

Colin Hughes, Sefton Park Palm House

Me Terzza, Shakespeare North Playhouse

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Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards Shortlist Announced

The shortlist for this year’s Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards has been unveiled.

The annual awards recognise and reward excellence across the regions tourism and hospitality sector and are delivered by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company.

The many applications have been scrutinised and narrowed down by an expert judging panel and will now go forward to the awards ceremony taking place at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday 2 March 2023.

The 18 categories this year include awards for Hotel of the Year, Experience of the Year as well as best Hidden Gem. One award being reintroduced is the category for the Business Events Venue of the year to reflect the successful return of meetings and conference events following the pandemic. Thirteen of the winners will then go forward to the Visit England Awards in June 2023, at which Liverpool restaurant, Lu Ban, won gold at the 2022 ceremony in Birmingham earlier this summer.

Janet Nuzum, Sector Lead for Visitor Economy at Growth Platform said: “It is pleasing to see so many applications received this year and in particular, it is great that so many businesses have entered the New Tourism Business category. From restaurants to accommodation to experiences, it’s thrilling to see amazing new venues opening, after what has been a particularly difficult time for the sector”.

Today we are also announcing the ‘Hidden Gem’ category will be back again for 2022. This category will be voted for by the public and will recognise the region’s ‘best kept secret’.

We want to hear what people think is the best gem in the Liverpool City Region, whether that be in Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, or Wirral. Gems may be attractions, bars, restaurants, tours, or natural assets which are off the main tourism trail. What is the city region’s best kept secret?

By nominating a ‘Hidden Gem’, they could be catapulted into the Tourism Awards spotlight. Please click here to nominate your Hidden Gem .

The headline sponsor will again be Liverpool BID Company, with associate sponsors Liverpool ONE and Lexus Liverpool.

Other sponsors confirmed are ACC Liverpool, Bolland & Lowe, BDO LLP, EPIC, The Guide Liverpool, Knowsley Safari Park, Liverpool Cathedral, Lu Ban Restaurant, Merseyrail, The Metro, National Museums Liverpool, Ticket Quarter and Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

Bill Addy, Chief Executive at Liverpool BID Company, said: “That we have such a strong shortlist for this year’s LCR Tourism Awards should come as no surprise to those who work with this incredible industry. I’m delighted to see the range and diversity of types of business and each reflects an ambition and a drive to push the sector forward.”

The full shortlist is: B&B and Guest House of the Year

• Hotel Anfield
• Sunnyside Guest House
• The Braemar Southport

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

• Cumberland House
• Mrs Blodget’s by EPIC
• Staybridge Suites Liverpool
• The Eden Warehouse

Hotel of the Year

• Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa
• Hope Street Hotel
• INNSiDE by Melia Liverpool
• Pullman Liverpool
• Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Business Events Venue

• Aintree Racecourse
• Museum of Liverpool
• PINS Social Club

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

• Liverpool ONE
• Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust

New Tourism Business Award

• Cains Brewery
• Escape Live Liverpool
• Seven Bro7hers Beerhouse Liverpool

Resilience and Innovation Award

• Quirky Quarter
• Royal Liver Building 360 Tour
• St Luke’s Bombed Out Church C.I.C.

Independent Tourism Business of the Year

• Duke Street Food and Drink Market
• Fab 4 Taxi Tours
• iStay Liverpool
• Lock & Key Hotel, Bar & Kitchen
• Sunnyside Guest House Southport

Taste of Liverpool Award – Café/Bistro of the Year

• Bold Street Coffee
• Caffe Cream of New Brighton
• The Egg Vegetarian Café
• The Watering Can

Taste of Liverpool Award – Restaurant of the Year

• Antonio’s Bar & Grill
• Lu Ban Restaurant
• The London Carriage Works

Pub of the Year

• Liverpool Gin Distillery
• The Bridewell
• The Denbigh Castle
• The Guelder Rose Southport
• The Windmill Southport

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

• British Music Experience
• Strawberry Field

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

• Liverpool Cathedral
• Mersey Ferries
• National Trust, Speke Hall
• Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
• The Beatles Story

Experience of the Year

• Bongo’s Bingo
• Gin Lab Experience – Liverpool Gin Distillery
• City and Beatles Tour – Liverpool City Sights
• National Trust, Beatles’ Childhood Homes
• Old Dock Tour – National Museums Liverpool
• Shiverpool – The Famous Hope Street Shivers Tour

Tourism Young Person of the Year

• Elen McKewan, The Bridewell
• Jess Taylor, Lu Ban Restaurant
• Josh McCafferty, Pullman Liverpool
• Nic Slessinger, Masons/Epic
• Neve Sutton, Hosted by National Museums Liverpool
• Simone Greyling, 2030 Hub

Unsung Hero Award

• Jake Lovatt, Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa
• Joe Lenden, Liverpool Gin Distillery
• Kayleigh Cox, Lu Ban Restaurant
• Tom Ford, Delifonseca Dockside
• Veronica Matthews, Pullman Liverpool

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Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards ‘Hidden Gem’ shortlist revealed

7 months ago

By The Guide Liverpool

It’s time to unveil the shortlist for the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2023 ‘Hidden Gem’.

Over the last month the public have been voting for their hidden gem as part of the liverpool city region tourism awards 2023..

The Hidden Gem category at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards celebrates the region’s best kept secrets and puts them in the tourism spotlight. Gems may be attractions, bars, restaurants, tours, or natural assets which are off the main tourism trail. 

Promoted in association with The Guide Liverpool, today we reveal the top 10 businesses voted for and ask for your support again to vote for your winner. The winner will be revealed at the awards ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday 29 th February 2024.

Janet Nuzum, Sector Manager Visitor Economy at Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company, who organise the awards, said, 

“The Hidden Gem category is the only category in the Tourism Awards which is voted for by the general public and we are delighted that this year we received a record number of votes with over 100 businesses nominated in this initial round. This demonstrates the breadth of truly fantastic tourism hidden gems we have across the Liverpool City Region.” 

Jay Hind from The Guide Liverpool said, 

“We love helping Liverpool City Region find its tourism hidden gem every year and are delighted to see some fabulous businesses on the shortlist this year. It’s now back over to the public to decide the winner. Once again the winner will receive a full promo package from The Guide Liverpool which includes a shiny new video filmed at the winning venue or attraction, so make your vote count.” 

The Hidden Gem finalists are:

Gin Journey

A tour to discover Liverpool’s rich past, with a delicious drink in your hand to bring it all to life.

Glass Onion

Veggie/vegan café serving delicious fresh homemade food and cakes in Allerton.

An independent whisky bar tucked away down an unassuming staircase in Liverpool’s Fabric District.

Lake House Waterloo

A stunning restaurant serving delicious, locally sourced menus at the water’s edge of the marine lake in Crosby.

Red Brick Market

An independent Market in Liverpool’s Baltic district with over 50 businesses under one roof.

Walking tour in which you will visit many prominent film locations that have made the city so synonymous with moviegoers worldwide.

Season Coffee, Bar & Kitchen

A cosy, relaxed venue offering a range of food and drink that uses only produce from other local independent businesses in Southport.

The Bus Yard

Two converted double decker buses operating in Crosby Marina, Liverpool ONE Chavasse Park and other pop-up locations.

An Art Deco steamship, rescued by the passion and skill of a volunteer force who run the project and operate the vessel today.

A cantina serving locally sourced fresh, vibrant authentic Mexican food in Southport.

To vote for your favourite click here  

Voting will close at midnight on Friday 12 th January 2024. 

Tickets for the awards ceremony are on sale now and can be purchased here  

Get the latest for Liverpool HERE .

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Shortlist announced for Tourism Awards

News & Insights Articles < Shortlist announced for Tourism Awards

The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards has announced its shortlist to recognise excellence across the city region’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Each year the judging panel sifts through the many applications to narrow down the very best in the business.

All those shortlisted will now go forward to the final judging panel ahead of the glittering awards ceremony on 16 May 2019. The panel will have the difficult task of deciding who will be crowned winners in their respective categories at the black-tie event taking place at Liverpool Cathedral.

There are 17 award categories this year which cover the whole industry, and include Hotel of the Year, Entertainment Venue of the Year and Best Newcomer. The previously named ‘Taste’ award has been split into Restaurant of the Year and Café of the Year.

Peter Sandman, Head of Visitor Economy for the Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “To see so many entries come in not only shows how prestigious these awards are but also the amount of healthy competition we have across the city region – which only continues to push tourism standards up. This is confirmed through the latest figures, which show the local visitor economy is now worth over £4.5bn annually and supports over 53,500 jobs.

“Holding the event in such a stunning venue will create a very special atmosphere and make this year’s awards unmissable.”

Sponsors this year already include: ACC Liverpool, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Marketing Liverpool, Merseyrail, NatWest, Ticket Quarter, Wild Thang and Wirral Chamber of Commerce.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, please call Cathryn O’Grady on 07918 174176 or email [email protected] for more details.

Tickets for the ceremony are now available from Ticket Quarter – click here for details.

Shortlist in full

Hotel of the Year Aloft Hotel Liverpool Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa Hope Street Hotel Hotel Indigo Liverpool Mere Brook House Pullman Liverpool The Shankly Hotel Thornton Hall Hotel Titanic Hotel Liverpool   Serviced Apartment of the Year Base Serviced Apartments Epic Hotels & Serviced Apartments Staybridge Suites Liverpool Staycity Aparthotels   Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Catalyst Science Discovery Centre & Museum Darkstar Laser Arena For All Liverpool’s Liver Birds Mersey Ferries Mersey Tunnel Tours Port Sunlight Village Trust Shore Cottage Studio   Large Visitor Attraction of the Year FACT Knowsley Safari Liverpool Cathedral McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Cheshire Oaks   Restaurant of the Year Delifonseca Dockside Fazenda Liverpool London Carriage Works Lunyalita NYL Restaurant & Cocktail Bar The Art School Restaurant The Lawns at Thornton Hall Wheeler’s of St. James’s Liverpool   Café/Bistro of the Year Benty Farm Tearooms Café Tabac Caffe Cream of New Brighton Cuthberts Bakery Moose Coffee World Museum Cafe   Bar of the Year Alma de Cuba NYL Restaurant & Cocktail Bar The Art School Cellars The Brink The Club House Liverpool   Large Event of the Year China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors Liverpool Biennial 2018 Liverpool’s Dream – Giant Spectacular Lost Castles   Small Event of the Year Aurora Bordeaux Wine Festival BTR Liverpool Half Marathon St George’s Hall Minton Floor Tile Reveal   Tourism Experience of the Year China’s First Emperor and the Terracotta Warriors City Explorer Liverpool Ghetto Golf Mersey Ferry and Open Top Bus Tour   Excellence in Business Tourism Conference Centre at LACE FACT Hilton Hotel Liverpool Hosted by National Museums Liverpool Titanic Hotel Liverpool   Entertainment Venue of the Year Liverpool Empire Theatre Liverpool Philharmonic Hall & Music Room Sefton Park Palm House St Helens Theatre Royal   Independent Tourism Business of the Year Benty Farm Tearooms Cuthberts Bakery Darkstar Laser Arena LLS Your Tour Mere Brook House Moose Coffee Otterspool Adventure Port Sunlight Village Trust   Best Newcomer to the Visitor Economy Hinterlands Lunyalita Punch Tarmeys Sleep Eat Love The Florist   Tourism Star of the Year Matt Cooke, Hope Street Hotel Kate Green, Liverpool Cruise Terminal Kris Mochrie, Signature Living Damien Daly, Titanic Hotel Liverpool   Tourism Young Person of the Year Kate Ainslie, Hilton Hotel Liverpool Kelsey Reynolds, NYL Restaurant & Cocktail Bar Paul Dixon, Liverpool Film Office Millie Kehoe, Liverpool Tourist Information Centre    

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3rd Dec 2021

TOURISM AWARDS SHORTLIST REVEALED

By: Growth Platform

The shortlist for this year’s Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards has been unveiled – and they continue to recognise excellence across the City Region’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The annual awards are delivered by Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company and this year in association with Liverpool BID Company.

Every year the judging panel sifts through the many applications to narrow down the very best, who will now go forward to the final judging panel ahead of the awards ceremony taking place at Liverpool Cathedral on 10 March 2022.

Peter Sandman, Head of Visitor Economy Development at Growth Platform, said:

“It’s great to see the visitor economy sector throwing their support behind these awards – this year we have seen close to a 40% increase in applications with many of those being new businesses getting involved for the first time. We are privileged to hold the event in such a stunning venue and to be able to celebrate our unique, diverse and resilient sector in style.”

The 17 categories include awards for best hotel, restaurant, and attractions, alongside some new awards for ‘Resilience and Innovation’ and ‘Unsung Hero’ with the return of the ‘Hidden Gem’ category which highlights the City Region’s best kept secrets and is put to a public vote.

Long-term supporter of the awards, the Liverpool BID (Business Improvement District) Company have stepped up as headline sponsors this year. Also confirmed are Quest Liverpool, Liverpool ONE and National Museums Liverpool as associate sponsors with ACC Liverpool, BDO LLP, Epic, Lu Ban Restaurant, Merseyrail, Ticket Quarter and Wirral Chamber as category sponsors. The Metro have joined us as media partners and Amion Consulting will be sponsoring the drinks reception and the aftershow party will be at Masons Bar.

Today we are also announcing the ‘Hidden Gem’ category will be back again for 2021. This category will be voted for by the public and will recognise the region’s ‘best kept secret’.

We want to hear what people think is the best gem in the Liverpool City Region, whether that be in Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, or Wirral. Gems may be attractions, bars, restaurants, tours, or natural assets which are off the main tourism trail. What is the city region’s best kept secret?

By nominating a ‘Hidden Gem’, they could be catapulted into the Tourism Awards spotlight. Further details can be found at www.lcrtourismawards.com

Sponsoring the ‘Hidden Gem’ category is The Guide. Jay Hynd, Director said,

“Liverpool City Region is packed full of hidden gems, all shining bright waiting to be discovered by tourists and visitors to our area. We are delighted to support this category and showcase some of the City Region’s best kept secrets. We will be encouraging as many people to vote as possible via The Guide Liverpool’s website so that the one overall unknown treasure can shine even brighter.”

The shortlist is:

New Tourism Business Award

Boom Battle Bar: Liverpool Liverpool Food Tours Liverpool VRVE MerseyMade SKAUS Store & Cafe

Independent Tourism Business of the Year

Duke Street Food and Drink Market Fab 4 Taxi Tours Liverpool Beatles Museum Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres Liverpool Food Tours MerseyMade Shiverpool

Taste of Liverpool Award – Café/Bistro of the Year

Benty Farm Tearooms Bold Street Coffee Cafe Tabac Caffe Cream of New Brighton

Taste of Liverpool Award – Restaurant of the Year

Buyers Club Delifonseca Dockside Lu Ban Restaurant Lunya Marco Pierre Steakhouse Bar & Grill Liverpool The London Carriage Works

Pub of the Year

Liverpool Gin Distillery Masons The Bridewell The Denbigh Castle The Windmill Southport

Resilience and Innovation Award

Cruise Liverpool Liverpool ONE Liverpool Philharmonic Lu Ban Restaurant Lunya

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

Redstones Cottage Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust Strawberry Field

B&B and Guest House of the Year

Sunnyside Guest House The Braemar Southport The Heidi Bed & Breakfast

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

EPIC Apartments Quest Liverpool City Centre Staybridge Suites Liverpool Staycity Aparthotels, Liverpool, Waterfront

Hotel of the Year

Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa Hope Street Hotel Pullman Liverpool Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Royal Liver Building 360 Sefton Park Palm House Strawberry Field Western Approaches

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Knowsley Safari Liverpool Cathedral Tate Liverpool The Atkinson World Museum

Experience of the Year

British Music Experience Liverpool Food Tours Shiverpool Treasure Trails

Unsung Hero Award

Connie Blakemore, Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa Gerard Madden, The Bridewell Hannah Todd, The Interesting Eating Company Phil Phillips, National Museums Liverpool

Tourism Young Person of the Year

Carlotta Cervia, Hilton Liverpool City Centre Dana Heard, Camp and Furnace Emily Doyle, Lu Ban Restaurant Jaime Stanton, Woodside Ferry Village Mark Langan, Holiday Inn Express Victoria Smith, Shiverpool

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Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards short list unveiled

Best of the tourism sector heading for awards celebration on May 19

• 06:05, 4 MAR 2016

The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards has today announced its shortlist to recognise the very best of the city region’s tourism industry.

The 84-strong shortlist across 16 categories will now go forward to the final judging panel ahead of the award ceremony, which takes place on May 19.

This year’s judging panel comprises notable figures from the city region, including Sara Wilde McKeown, chair of the Visitor Economy Board, Donna Howitt, Business Performance Director at Liverpool One, and Robin Tudor, head of PR at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The panel now have the task of deciding who will be crowned winners in their respective categories at the ceremony in Liverpool’s St George’s Hall.

Cathryn O’Grady, managing director of Eventful which is organising the event, said: “The calibre of entries for this year’s event was incredibly high and we are pleased to announce the shortlist which includes lots of familiar, and new, faces.

“In fact, we’ve got more shortlisted companies than ever before due to the quality of entries.”

She added: “The awards are always a fantastic night and a real tribute to the amazing businesses that comprise the city region’s visitor economy. We’re very much looking forward to engaging in the process of whittling the shortlisted companies down to the winners and celebrating with them at St George’s Hall in May.”

The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards is also calling out for the general public to nominate individuals or tourism businesses that provided outstanding service in 2015.

In addition to the 16 categories shortlisted, the award ceremony also includes The People’s Choice Award.

This is the only category voted for by the public, honouring the individuals and tourism businesses achieving excellence in customer service in the Liverpool City Region.

You can vote for your favourite, by visiting www.lcrtourismawards.com

The full short list is:

Hotel of the Year sponsored by ComCab Ltd

Aloft Liverpool, Hope Street Hotel, Hotel Indigo Liverpool, Malmaison Liverpool, Ramada Plaza Southport, Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Guest Accommodation/B&B of the Year

2 Blackburne Terrace, Albion Guest House, Mere Brook House

Serviced Apartment of the Year sponsored by Cleanall Services

Adagio Liverpool, Bridgestreet Liverpool One, Epic Liverpool, Premier Apartments Liverpool, Staybridge Suites Liverpool

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Eventful

Darkstar Laser Tag, Mersey Tunnel Tours, Port Sunlight Museum, Shore Cottage Studio

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Signature Living

Albert Dock Liverpool, Bubbles' World of Play, Liverpool Cathedral, Dazzle Ferry, The Atkinson, The Beatles Story, World Museum

60 Hope Street, Caffe Cream of New Brighton, Delifonseca Dockside & Fonseca's, Fazenda Bar & Grill, The Art School Restaurant, The Interesting Eating Company, The London Carriage Works

Large Tourism Event of the Year sponsored by Liverpool John Lennon Airport

3 Queens, One Magnificent City, Brazilica Festival, National Museums Liverpool Mayas: revelation of an endless time, Southport Air Show, Tate Liverpool Transmitting Andy Warhol

Small Tourism Event of the Year sponsored by Liverpool City Region LEP

British Musical Firework Championship, Liverpool Loves, Love History Events The Catacomb Tour, Young DaDaFest

Tourism Experience of the Year sponsored by Liverpool Hoteliers Association

Mersey Ferries Manchester Ship Canal Cruises, National Museums Liverpool The Old Dock Tour, Shiverpool, Southport Air Show, Tate Liverpool Transmitting Andy Warhol, The Beatles Fab Four Taxi Tours

Bar of the Year sponsored by Marketing Liverpool

Circo, Red Door, Rope Walks Food and Drink Lounge, Salt Dog Slims, The Brink, The Wro, Thomas Rigbys

Excellence in Business Tourism

Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Tate Liverpool, The Foresight Centre - University of Liverpool, Titanic Hotel Liverpool

Entertainment Venue of the Year sponsored by MSP

Circo, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, St Helens Theatre Royal, The Palm House, Sefton Park

Independent Tourism Business of the Year

Mere Brook House, Shiverpool, Shore Cottage Studio, Tate Shop Liverpool, The Beatles Fab Four Taxi Tours,

The Richmond Hotel

Best Newcomer to the Visitor Economy sponsored by Influential

Cedar Gin & Fire, DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool, Kabinett, Liverpool Loves, The Shankly Hotel, Ziferblat Albert Dock

Tourism Star(s) of the Year sponsored by Liverpool BID

Blue Coat Occasions Team, Bubbles' World of Play Birthday Party Team, Jenny Howard - The Wro, Jillian Ireland - National Museums Liverpool, Lisa Little - Ramada Plaza Southport, Liverpool One Information Centre Team, Liverpool Tourist Information Centres Team

Tourism Young Person of the Year

Erika Mc Carthy - Ramada Plaza Southport, Jonathon Medley - The Wro, Matthew Austin - Liverpool John Lennon Airport

Outstanding Contribution to the Tourism Industry sponsored by Liverpool One

The winner of this category will be announced on the evening

• Beatles Story
• Liverpool Enterprise Partnership
• Liverpool John Lennon Airport
• Mersey Ferries
• Mersey Tunnels
• Museum of Liverpool
• Tate Liverpool
• University of Liverpool
• World Museum Liverpool
• The Beatles
• Albert Dock
• Liverpool Philharmonic Hall
• New Brighton
• Port Sunlight
• Sefton Park
• Most Recent

You can now vote for your favourite Hidden Gem to be recognised at the LCR Tourism Awards

We’ve all got our favourite places in the city because, when it comes to hospitality, Liverpool can’t be beaten.

It’s well-known for the warm welcome it gives to visitors as well as its own – and applauding that has never been more needed. The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards are all about giving those who give us a great time a well-deserved pat on the back and the credit they deserve.

There are  19 categories  from Hotel of the Year and New Tourism Business of the Year, to Business Events Venue and  Eurovision Experience Award  – a new one for 2023!

The shortlist has now been announced, but it’s not just about rewarding the big boys. It’s about giving a round of applause to all those special places only you and your mates might know about.

Think about that little café you always get your brekkie from on the way to work or as a treat at the weekend, or that bar that’s a little bit special because of the live music or the events it puts on.

There might be a cute B&B you go to because the owners always make a point of remembering your name or making sure you feel right at home the moment you step over the door; or maybe it’s a restaurant that rolls out the red carpet to greet you whether you were last there a week ago – or last year.

There might even be an adventure trail or a tourist attraction that’s away from the beaten track that’s been a real find – and it would be great to let other people know it’s there, as well as give those behind it some well-earned praise.

Well now’s your chance.

The Guide Liverpool is teaming up with Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards to catapult those Hidden Gems into the spotlight – and you get to help decide who they are.

The ‘Hidden Gem’ category is back again for 2023, voted for by the public and aimed at recognising the region’s ‘best kept secret’.

We’re asking for all your suggestions for this year’s Hidden Gem in the Liverpool City Region – it can be in Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, or Wirral.

Voting closes at midnight on Friday, November 24, so let us know who you think would be a worthy holder of this coveted title. The top 10 Hidden Gems will go forward to a second round of public voting to decide who is the winner.

The overall winner will be revealed at the awards ceremony to be held at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday, February 29, 2024, when, not only will they be crowned Hidden Gem 2023, they will also win a ‘Gold Package’ from The Guide to help promote their business and put them firmly on the tourism map.

The Guide Liverpool director Jay Hynd said:

“We love helping Liverpool City Region find its tourism Hidden Gem every year, and we need your suggestions to help showcase the very best of our area. “Once again the winner will receive a full promo package from The Guide Liverpool which includes a shiny new video filmed at the winning venue or attraction, so get in touch and make your vote count for your favourite venue or attraction.”

The awards are organised by the Growth Platform, held in association with headline sponsor Liverpool BID Company.

Vote for your favourite Hidden Gem at the Liverpool Tourism Awards  HERE.

Image caption: Liverpool City Region Tourism Award ‘Hidden Gem’ winner 2023, Southport Bijou Cinema. Picture: Jason Roberts

Coventry attraction dubbed 'magical place' as its 'champion' receives major award

Pete Chambers, the driving force behind Coventry Music Museum , has been crowned as VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar 2024. Pete, a volunteer and the museum’s director and curator, secured the highest number of votes from the public.

On hearing he had won the award, the music fanatic and journalist said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be Tourism Superstar 2024, it makes all the hard work so worthwhile, although I love what I do,"

"A massive thanks to all the amazing people who took the time to vote for me, it means so much. Thanks to our volunteers and visitors and to Laura MacDonald who nominated me. Now let's get The Specials on that turntable and dance to some Ska".

READ MORE: Hollywood star Martin Freeman plugs city museum at major Two-Tone exhibition

Robert Dennis Brown from the Dalby Forest Cycle Hub in the North York Moors came second while Emily Williamson from Pub Tours Ltd in the Peak District took third place. It is a proud moment for the city, said councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, who said the volunteer was a more than worthy recipient.

"It’s brilliant that Coventry has such a rich musical history and we’re equally brilliant that we have an attraction as incredible as the Coventry Music Museum," Cllr O'Boyle said. "It’s something our city is truly proud of and its success is testament to the energy, creativity and talent that runs through Coventry, qualities that Pete has in spades.

"Pete is a true champion of music and of Coventry, and I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award."

'Magical place'

The Tourism Superstar award is a yearly competition that celebrates the work of unsung heroes who work within the tourism industry. Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland director, said that the Coventry Music Museum is a 'magical place' and Pete is at the heart of it.

"Tourism Superstar is all about recognising those people within England’s tourism industry who go the extra mile for visitors and whilst all the finalists are superstars there can be only one winner and we extend our huge congratulations to Pete," he said

"In the Coventry Music Museum, he has created a magical place for music lovers to connect with the region’s rich contribution to England’s musical heritage. His relationships with local musicians have brought unique exhibits to the museum, also drawing both domestic and international visitors to the wider area. Congratulations again to Pete and many thanks to all our wonderful finalists and to everyone who got behind Tourism Superstar this year and voted."

Pete will collect his award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence event on June 5 at the Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel in Liverpool.

The Tourism Superstar award is a yearly competition that celebrates the dedication of people within the tourism industry. It seeks to find the unsung heroes working in tourism who provide amazing experiences, as well as showcase the quality of the UK's tourist destinations.

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This Scandinavian City Just Won the Internet with Its Hilarious New Tourism Ad

The self-deprecating reflection has us ready to pack our bags and head to the “underdog” of the nordics..

• Copy Link copied

Halfdan, the underwhelmed star of the new Visit Oslo ad, stands inside the Vigeland Museum.

Courtesy of Visit Oslo

“I wouldn’t come here, to be honest,” says Halfdan, a distinctly unimpressed Oslo thirtysomething as he walks around his hometown, trying to uncover its appeal. “Is it even a city?”

It’s the start of what is being hailed as the best tourism ad of the summer , a deadpan, downplayed, 1 minute, 45-second video, during which our local guide points out a lot of things about Oslo that he thinks aren’t that great—but, in fact, are. You don’t have to queue to get into restaurants, for example: “What does that tell you?” he asks, suggesting that the beautiful plate of food in front of him isn’t all that.

You might bump into a member of the royal family while just walking across town—a walk that takes only about 30 minutes: “Try that in New York or Paris,” he comments in a disappointed tone, as if this city isn’t big or impressive enough. In front of Norway’s most famous painting, The Scream by artist Edvard Munch , he shrugs and comments that it’s “not exactly the Mona Lisa.” He muses out loud if an art gallery is even worth going to if you don’t have to wait a couple of hours to get in. All this while walking around a perfectly scenic city where people are seen swimming, drinking in designer bars, and enjoying a relaxed pace of life. It’s heavy on the irony.

The advert is the brainchild of Visit Oslo marketing director Anne-Signe Fagereng, who wanted to do something different. “We wanted to try to use our position as an underdog in terms of European city breaks,” she said. “Oslo is kind of the unknown brother of Stockholm and Copenhagen, and we wanted to make sure the world caught up to what’s been going on in the city in the last 20 years.”

It’s also a great way to show off the dry sense of humor you’ll find in Norway’s capital—along with its lack of elitism, openness, and approachability. The ad was created with content agency NewsLab , based in Oslo, led by director August Jorfald. The idea came, in part, from his experiences traveling in Europe.

“There’s something sad and weird about being a tourist right now,” he said. “There’s an ambivalence about it, especially in cities like Barcelona and Paris, cities that are struggling with too much tourism. I am a tourist but I want to experience something real as well. I seek out these authentic experiences when I travel, like the best place to drink a pint when I’m in Liverpool—that’s what I’m looking for. Oslo is appealing because it’s a city where people live, but they don’t live for tourism.”

The ad was inspired by Norwegian director Kristoffer Borgli’s Scandinavian Week commercial for Belgian TV in which a bored Norwegian tour guide half-heartedly shows a TV crew around a fjord, and Joachim Trier’s film The Worst Person in the World , set in Oslo.

“The difference is that we focused on showing Oslo at its best, getting up early and late to find the right transition light,” said August. “The contrast between what Halfdan says and what the shots show is the greatest right there.”

For Fagereng, the results have been astonishing, with more than 13 million views on X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, and counting. “I didn’t know ads could still cut through like this anymore,” she said.

Jorfald’s reaction to the ad’s success is typically downplayed: “It’s difficult to say why it’s so popular,” he said. “I just wanted to make something I enjoyed myself. That’s the top motivation in terms of making something creative.”

Perhaps the success is that undiscovered gems are hard to find these days, and while Southern Europe struggles with heat and overtourism, this quiet, cool capital city in Northern Europe is shaping up to be the stress-free vacation of our dreams.