TOP tourism talent was celebrated at the annual Sibbett Gregory Poole Tourism Awards yesterday.

More than 80 key businesses gathered at the ceremony held at the Hytes Suite of the Harbour Heights hotel to applaud the winners of the prestigious awards, sponsored by local commercial property agents, surveyors and town planners Sibbett Gregory.

The judges chose businesses, organisations and individuals that have demonstrated originality, excellence and commitment in developing the town’s thriving tourism economy.

Jonathan Sibbett, director at Sibbett Gregory, said: “Poole has an excellent tourism product which makes it attractive not just to visitors and residents but to people wanting to invest and grow in this vibrant town. The awards are a way of rewarding those businesses and individuals who has invested their enthusiasm and commitment and we are exceptionally proud to sponsor them.”

Bruce Grant-Braham, chairman of the Poole Tourism Management Board, said: “Tourism is one of Poole’s top five employers and an expanding business sector. These awards aim to champion best practice, recognise excellence and reward achievements which create exemplars for others to aspire to.

Winners of the five main categories were: n Development of the Year – The Ark, Poole Park. A £1.6million new café and attractions complex created by Richard and Sarah de Lisle. High Commended – Jenkins & Sons, The Stable & The Cruel Sea.

Tourism Promotion of the Year – Poole Attractions Group. Set up three years ago to encourage local attractions and businesses to work together and promote themselves, by Carol Scott, City Cruises Poole and Jackie Richmond, Splashdown. Highly Commended - Sandbanks Boat Show, Party in the Park.

Green Tourism Initiative – Quay Holidays, self catering agency. This year they achieved the GTBS Gold Standard awarded by the Green Tourism Business Scheme. Highly Commended - Pine Ridge B&B, Dorset Day at the Houses of Parliament.

Supporting Tourism in Poole – Tank Museum, Bovington. Highly commended - Oceanarium, Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre.

Long Term Contribution to Tourism – Bernard and Kaye Merna, Compton Acres. Continually investing to ensure the gardens remain top class, they created the Italian Villa, voted the second most popular wedding venue in the world.

Sponsors Special Award, presented by Jonathan Sibbett – RSPB Bird Boats, celebrating 21 years of wildlife boat tours in Poole Harbour.