VisitEngland has announced the finalists for the Awards for Excellence 2016 - and the Bay Cycle Way has been named as one of the local finalists.
The winners will be announced at the Award ceremony on the 8th of March at a ceremony at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, during English Tourism Week.
The Bay Cycle Way represents one of the top five in the Tourism Experience of the Year in England.
Speaking on behalf of Morecambe Bay Partnership and the Bay Cycle Way, Janet Barton said: “We’re thrilled and delighted that the Bay Cycle Way, developed in partnership with national cycling charity Sustrans, has been announced as a finalist for the Tourism Experience of the Year award in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2016."
Castlerigg Hall Caravan and Camping Park in Keswick - already a winner in last year’s Cumbria Tourism Awards – has made the final five nationally in the Holiday Park / Holiday Village of the Year category. Owner, David Jackson said: “We are absolutely delighted to be named in the top five Holiday Park / Holiday Village of the Year category in the national VisitEngland awards. The team at Castlerigg Hall works hard to offer the best experience possible for our visitors and it is fantastic to be recognised at this level. We can’t wait for Blackpool ”
The Sun Inn in Kirkby Lonsdale, has been shortlisted in the new Dog Friendly Business of the Year category. Lucy Fuller, co-owner, said: “It’s exciting to be named as one of the top five dog-friendly businesses in the country by the national tourist board. As a business, we pride ourselves on offering the quality and service guests expect from a luxury inn with a fine dining restaurant, while also being genuinely welcoming to dog lovers too. We’re all looking forward to finding out the final outcome in Blackpool next month!”
All finalists will receive either a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended Award and the Bay Cycle Way must wait until the Awards ceremony to discover which award they will receive.
Sally Balcombe, CEO of VisitBritain and VisitEngland said: “Awards for Excellence finalists exemplify outstanding tourism talent and distinguished businesses throughout England. We received over 400 truly impressive applications this year and there’s absolutely no doubt those shortlisted are a representatives of the best in the industry who place delivering an unforgettable experience to visitors in England at the heart of their business operations. I’d like to congratulate all finalists and wish them the very best of luck on Awards night at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool.”