The Lancashire Tourism Awards 2013 shortlist was announced last night and Preston has a fair share of nominees.

Marketing Lancashire had more applications than ever before for this year’s award now in it’s tenth year.

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The winners ceremony will take place on Thursday 7 November at Blackburn Cathedral, hosted by tourism expert, broadcaster and Travel Editor of The Independent, Simon Calder.

Ruth Connor, Chief Executive of Marketing Lancashire said “We have been so impressed by the quantity and quality of applications, especially in this the Lancashire Tourism Awards 10th anniversary year.  The awards celebrate the significance of tourism’s current £3.4billion contribution to the Lancashire economy and a great deal of that success is due to the dedication and enterprise of the businesses and individuals named today.

We congratulate them and ask that colleagues across the county show their appreciation and pride in Lancashire, by supporting these exceptional businesses and by joining us on the 7 November at Blackburn Cathedral when the winners will be announced.”

Presenter Simon Calder also said “Lancashire offers the visitor a rich diversity of experience and the Lancashire Tourism Awards celebrate the very best practice in the county, and will inspire other enterprises to even greater efforts.

In such a competitive travel environment, nationally and internationally, the will to win is crucial and I look forward to meeting Lancashire’s finest at Blackburn Cathedral in November.” 

Notable mentions from the finalists shortlist are:

Visitor Event Award* – Preston Guild 2012, A Vintage Guild 2012

Customer Service Award* – Duk pond & dukbodega, Tourism Customer Services Team for Preston City Council

Retail Experience Award – Barton Grange Garden Centre

Large Visitor Attraction Award* – Brockholes, Harris Museum & Art Gallery

Taste Lancashire Award* – Heathcotes Brasserie

Large Hotel Award* – Holiday Inn

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award – Guilders of Preston Guild 2012

*Winners in these award categories will go forward to represent Lancashire at the VisitEngland Excellence Awards 2014.

We wish all the Preston based finalists the very best of luck.