Sponsored by
Top tourism awards shortlist is revealed
THE NOMINEES for a prestigious tourism award ceremony set to be held at Chatsworth have been announced.
Visit Peak District and Derbyshire, the area's official tourism board, has revealed the shortlist for its first-ever Excel Tourism Awards.
In the running for prizes are staff from Gulliver's Kingdom in Matlock Bath, East Lodge Country House Hotel in Rowsley, The Maynard in Grindleford, Crich Tramway Village and The Devonshire Arms at Beeley.
David James, chief executive of Visit Peak District and Derbyshire,
said: "We are also extremely pleased to reveal that we received a total of more than 70 entries – showing just how seriously committed our tourism businesses are to achieving and rewarding both quality and excellence within their workforce.
"Our independent panel of judges faced some tough decisions in shortlisting the best entrants in each of the ten main categories, but we're now looking forward to announcing the worthy winners on what promises to be a rewarding and enjoyable evening for all involved."
Main sponsor for the event, to be held on Thursday, March 4, is Chatsworth, with The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire and Her Grace the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire expected to join the tourist board as guests at the glitzy event in the Carriage House Restaurant.
Derbyshire Economic Partnership has pledged 5,000 towards the cost of staging the awards.
Mr James said: "This is excellent news – and a clear indication of just how important tourism is to both the county's and region's economy.
"The industry is worth around 1.4 billion a year and employs more than 24,000 people in Derbyshire – so makes a key contribution to the area's prosperity."
Richard Horsley, chairman of partnership said: "Giving recognition to individuals for playing a positive role within business is something which we are pleased to be a part of, and we are delighted to sponsor theYoung Manager and Team of the Year awards."
Shortlisted nominees in each category are:
Outstanding Customer Care: Dominic Ainsworth, East Lodge Country House Hotel, Rowsley; Carly Montisci, The Maynard, Grindleford; Trevor Willdig, Marriott Breadsall Priory, Derby.
Young Manager of the Year: Andrew Dear, Marriott Breadsall Priory; Paul Kaye, Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath; Charlotte Spivey, The Maynard.
Most Promising Student: Tom Bates, University of Derby Buxton; Emma Waring, The Maynard; Louise Whysall, The Old Hall Hotel, Buxton.
Most Promising Trainee: Chris Buckley, Monsal Head Hotel; Alex Nicholson, The Maynard; Tim Turner, National Trust (Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield).
Team of the Year: Buxton Festival; Friends of Heage Windmill; Gulliver's Kingdom, Matlock Bath.
Volunteer of the Year: Alan Barber, Crich Tramway Village; Emma Waring, The Maynard; Linda Wilkins, The National Trust.
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism: Felicity Brown, Hoe Grange Holidays, Brassington; John Coulson, English Heritage; Louise Potter, No. 6 The Square Tea Room, Buxton.
Unsung Hero: Elaine Blake, The Devonshire Arms, Beeley; Brian Gammon, East Lodge Country House Hotel; Jane Hitchman, The Maynard.
Tourism Young Achiever: Oliver Brown, Bluebell Dairy Ltd, Derby; Kerry Rawson, The Cathedral Quarter Hotel, Derby.
Young Chef of the Year: Shortlist to be decided after a 'cook off' at the University of Derby Buxton on Friday February 26.
Click here for more information.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Bakewell
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
