AN AWARDS body travelled the length of the BCP conurbation by bus to hand out trophies to leisure and tourism businesses.
This year’s Destination Awards ceremony was cancelled because of the pandemic, but the awards were still given out in person by members of BCP’s Destination Management Board.
David Bailey, chair of the board, said: “We congratulate each and every single one of our winners and hope that this acknowledgement of the fine work they do contributes phenomenally to cementing our destination as a place of high-quality hospitality.”
Craig Mathie, vice chair of the Destination Management Board, said after the presentations: “Today has been an incredible day – and a very different form of ceremony to what we’re used to.
“But hand-delivering these awards to these very deserving winners has been quite an experience and we’re glad we’ve gone the extra mile to recognise the excellence we have among our industry.”
David Squire, managing director of headline sponsor Yellow Buses and a member of the board, said: “We want to thank everyone who has made these awards and this day one we will remember. 2020 has so far been a memorable year and today has been no exception. Everyone has worked incredibly hard to ensure the awards are delivered despite challenging circumstances.”
Cllr Mohan Iyengar, BCP council’s cabinet member for tourism, leisure and culture, said: “It’s been a pleasure to join the awards’ presentations throughout today and I congratulate the winners.
“But I’d also like to recognise everyone in tourism and leisure who is doing their utmost in these challenging times. My commitment is that BCP Council does as much as it can for a sector which is at the heart of our economy, serves millions of people and is vital for our future.”
Attraction of the Year
Gold: Upton Country Park
Silver: Rock Reef, RNLI College
Bronze: Oceanarium, Smugglers Cove
Business Tourism Award
Gold: Marsham Court Hotel
Silver: Poseidon Kite School
Bronze: THIS Workspace
Café or Tearoom of the Year
Gold: Compton Acres
Silver: Otto Print & Coffee House
Bronze: Pause Cat Café
Digital Transformation Award
Silver: Centre VR
Events & Cultural Award
Gold: Dorset Moon
Silver: Bournemouth 7s, Vdub at the Pub, Bournemouth Christmas Market.
Bronze: Stompin on the Quomps
Getting About Award
Gold: PRC Streamline
Silver: Heathside Travel
Industry Support Award
Gold: Harvest Fine Foods
Silver: Business Events Bournemouth, Amica Tech.
Bronze: Middleman Solutions, Event Temps.
International & Inbound Tourism Award
Gold: Surf Steps
Silver: Bright School of English
Large Hotel of the Year
Gold: Hotel Miramar
Silver: Hilton Hotel Bournemouth
Bronze: Marsham Court Hotel, Norfolk Royale Hotel.
Nightime Experience Award
Gold: Salt Co
Silver: Poole Hill Brewery, Cameo & Myu.
Bronze: Aruba Restaurant & Bar
Responsible, Ethical & Sustainable Tourism Award
Gold: Urban Reef
Silver: Pause Cat Café
Bronze: Poole Hill Brewery, Wideye
Restaurant or Bistro of the Year
Gold: WestBeach
Silver: Arbor Restaurant, Zim Braai.
Bronze: Urban Garden, Moose Kitchen.
Retail Innovation Award
Gold: Polygon Pets
Silver: Christchurch Confectioner
Bronze: Otto Print & Coffee House
Small or Boutique Hotel of the Year
Gold: Captains Club
Silver: Urban Beach, Green House Hotel
Bronze: Mory House
Unserviced Accommodation of the Year
Gold: South Lytchett Manor
Bronze: St Leonards Farm
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