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