A small cinema has been named Merseyside’s best kept secret in the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.
Southport’s Bijou Cinema took the ‘Hidden Gem’ award in the only category voted for by the public. Other winners on the night included Liverpool Gin Distillery for Pub of the Year, British Music Experience for Small Attraction of the Year and Antonio’s Bar & Grill, based in Prescot won Restaurant of the Year.
The Titanic picked up best hotel for the second year running, and Escape Live Liverpool won the New Tourism Business of the Year. The National Trust and National Museums Liverpool were both double winners this year.
READ MORE: 11 characters that were once a familiar sight on Liverpool streets
The National Trust picked up both Large Visitor Attraction of the Year for Speke Hall, and Experience of the Year for The Beatles’ Childhood Homes tour.
The awards ceremony was held in Liverpool Cathedral last night, to recognise ‘excellence’ across the city region’s tourism and hospitality industry.
The Outstanding Contribution Award went to Paul Beesley – who has been part of Liverpool’s tourism scene for 40 years, working in both the business and leisure sides. He has chaired committees, represented the city region at trade shows, and is the only individual tour guide in the UK to hold the Visit England ‘Quality Assured Tour’ accreditation. He is also a BBC broadcaster, creates podcasts and blogs.
The evening was hosted by Sam Quek MBE – former England hockey player and TV broadcaster, and guests were welcomed with a drinks reception sponsored by Virgin Experience Days.
Mark Basnett, Managing Director at Growth Platform, said: “It’s been a truly wonderful evening, full of inspiration and celebration. Huge congratulations to each and every winner.
“We have much to celebrate and shout about across our city region, and at the heart of all of it is our visitor economy. This success story is thanks to every person here tonight along with many others who have helped drive this sector to become what it is today. Tonight was a great opportunity to say thank you and raise a glass to a truly amazing industry.”
Headline sponsors of the awards were Liverpool BID (Business Improvement District) Company, their CEO, Billy Addy, said: “We are delighted to sponsor this year’s Tourism Awards. Tourism is a vital economic driver in the Liverpool City Region. Each year we invest in attracting visitors, in showcasing the best the city has to offer, from food and drink to culture and spectacle. With Eurovision as a key highlight this year there has never been a better time to celebrate those who make our tourism industry the world class story it is”.
Full list of winners at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards
Tourism Young Person of the Year - sponsored by Wild Thang
WINNER: Neve Sutton, Hosted by National Museums Liverpool
Unsung Hero Award - sponsored by Liverpool ONE
WINNER: Kayleigh Cox, Lu Ban Restaurant
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Veronica Matthews, Pullman Liverpool
Independent Tourism Business of the Year - sponsored by Bolland & Lowe
WINNER: The Romans
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award - sponsored by Lexus Liverpool
WINNER: Sefton Park Palm House Preservation Trust
Business Events Venue of the Year - sponsored by ACC Liverpool
WINNER: Museum of Liverpool
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year - sponsored by Ticket Quarter
WINNER: British Music Experience
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year - sponsored by Wirral Chamber of Commerce
WINNER: National Trust, Speke Hall
New Tourism Business of the Year - sponsored by EPIC
WINNER: Escape Live Liverpool
Resilience and Innovation Award - sponsored by BDO LLP
WINNER: St Luke's Bombed Out Church C.I.C.
Experience of the Year - sponsored by Merseyrail
WINNER: National Trust, The Beatles' Childhood Homes
Pub of the Year - sponsored by Mr Yum
WINNER: Liverpool Gin Distillery
Taste Award - Café/Bistro of the Year - sponsored by National Museums Liverpool
WINNER: Bold Street Coffee
Taste Award - Restaurant of the Year - sponsored by Knowsley Safari
WINNER: Antonio's Bar & Grill
Hidden Gem - sponsored by The Guide Liverpool
WINNER: Southport Bijou Cinema
B&B and Guest House of the Year - sponsored by Liverpool Cathedral
WINNER: Sunnyside Guest House Southport
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year - sponsored by Lu Ban Restaurant
WINNER: The Eden Warehouse
Hotel of the Year - sponsored by Liverpool BID Company
WINNER: Titanic Hotel Liverpool
Outstanding Contribution to Tourism - sponsored by Growth Platform
WINNER: Paul Beesley
Get the top stories straight to your inbox by signing up to our what's on newsletter
READ NEXT:
