Two pioneering Bristol tourism projects have lined up alongside some of the world’s top attractions in a major awards scheme based on recommendations from UK travel journalists.
Inland surfing lake The Wave and immersive art experience Wake The Tiger were both nominated for International Tourism Awards by Bristol Business News travel editor Anne Gorringe. 
Anne is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW), which stages the prestigious annual awards.
The Wave, which opened five years ago near Cribbs Causeway, and Wake The Tiger, now in its third year of operation, were acknowledged for their achievements with merit awards the glittering presentation ceremony in London.
The Wave competed in the ‘Better World’ category, which was won by ‘Turtle Village’ in Canada, a tourism project set up by a woman from the Gambler First Nation people to celebrate, highlight and share their culture.
Wake The Tiger was among the contenders for the ‘Best UK and Ireland Tourism Project’ title, losing to The New National Portrait Gallery in London, which reopened last year following the most extensive transformation of its building since 1896.
To qualify for a nomination, the attractions must have opened or expanded within the past three years and be able to impress the BGTW’s members, a 250-strong community of accredited writers, podcasters, photographers and bloggers.
Anne, who is always keen to promote Bristol’s achievements to other travel writers from across the UK, nominated The Wave for its work on sustainability, conservation and cultural preservation.
“A year ago The Wave added an innovative £3.2m solar power project to power the waves, making it carbon neutral,” she said. 
“But ‘sunshine-powered’ waves are only one aspect of the business. The triple ethos of ‘people and planet as well as ‘profit’ impressed me.”
This ethos was recognised in August when The Wave, pictured, became the first surf park in the world to be awarded coveted B Corp status for its sustainability and community credentials.
The attraction also acknowledges the importance of providing a natural space for people of all ages and abilities to surf.
“For example, it hosted 90 children from London and Bristol for free this year as part of World Ocean Day for Schools – additionally, running a five-week course with women from Bristol’s Muslim community, helping to bring a ‘slice of the ocean’ to all,” Anne added. 
The way Wake The Tiger. pictured, harnessed Bristol’s artistic and creative talents to turn what was once a disused paint factory into a magical year-round attraction also impressed Anne.
“It now offers visitors a unique immersive art experience – and, once again, sustainability is at its heart,” she added.
Since opening, the unique ‘amazement park’ has attracted 350,000 visitors from more than 70 countries.
Earlier this year it expanded to a total of 40 different ‘rooms’ – each created with recycled materials, including sets from the TV and film industry. It now employs 55 staff and has achieved a turnover of £3m.
“Accessibility is key to the project too, and the team offers both community ticket allocations and sensory sensitive sessions,” said Anne.
“I really wanted to ‘fly the flag’ for Bristol and highlight some of our great achievements. While neither came first, I have to say that they were up against some amazing projects worldwide.
“Being awarded merit certificates by the BGTW is a mark of their achievements in each of their fields.”
Other nominated projects included the Mundo del Plátano on Gran Canaria, the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, and the PoCo Art Museum in Tallinn, Estonia.
