Bristol tourist attractions and hotels – as well as a volunteer at one of the city’s biggest museums – were among the winners in a major regional awards scheme last night.
Greg Malpas, who volunteers at Aerospace Bristol, won Gold in the Customer Service Superstar category, while BBC Bristol Tours gained Silver in the Age Friendly Tourism Business of the Year category of the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards.
Bristol’s accommodation providers fared well with Brooks Guesthouse winning the Bed and Breakfast and Guesthouse of the Year award and Village Hotel, Filton, the Doubletree by Hilton Cadbury House, Congresbury, and Bristol Marriott City Centre scooping Silver, Bronze and Commended respectively.
The New Room (John Wesley’s Chapel) in Broadmead secured Bronze in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category.
They were among a record 82 finalists competing for gold, silver or bronze in at the ceremony at the Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre.
Some 142 entries were received for the annual awards, which were sponsored by NFU Mutual Clifton and Wrington.
Changes this year included new entry forms, processes and a closer link with the regional South West and national VisitEngland Awards.
Judging was also changed, with an increased focus on digital presence and evidence.
Awards organiser Nell Barrington said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the range of top quality businesses that have taken part this year. The competition was so tough and my congratulations goes out to all the finalists.”
The winners were announced at the prestigious black-tie dinner by BBC Bristol’s Laura Rawlings with guest speakers Bev and Sarah Milner Simmonds from multi award-winning eat:Festivals.
Wines served at the dinner were from award-winning Redhill, near Bristol, vineyard Aldwick Estate.
Bristol Business News will have a full report of the awards and photos next week.
