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Best of English tourism honoured in 28th VisitEngland awards

The best of English tourism was marked with 25 awards being handed out in the 28th annual VistEngland Awards for Excellence.

The ceremony, hosted by television presenter Sue Perkins, took place at the Hilton Waldorf in London and welcomed 67 finalists selected from a record of almost 600 applications.

There were special awards in addition to winners in each of 22 categories.

The Premier League was singled out for its outstanding contribution to tourism due to English football’s draw for domestic and international visitors. More than 800,000 overseas visitors attended a football match during their trip to Britain in 2014, spending £684 million.

The 2017 tourism superstar was named as Duane Dibartolomeo, owner of the Grosvenor Fish Bar in Norwich, after a public vote.

VisitEngland chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “This year’s awards were fiercely contested and we had some terrific applications, showcasing not only the excellence on offer within English tourism but also the outstanding innovation and the sheer diversity of experiences throughout the country.

“From afternoon tea in a railway carriage to ‘Alice in Wonderland’ boutique hotel rooms, from great family friendly animal attractions to cottages for one, all well deserved the recognition of their quality and service.”

VisitEngland Awards for Excellence winners

Glamping Provider of the Year
The Dandelion Hideaway, East Midlands

Self-Catering Property of the Year
Cottage in the Dales – The Byre, Yorkshire

Sustainable Tourism Award
Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant, North East

Guided Tour of the Year
Shiverpool, North West

Afternoon Tea of the Year
Countess of York, Yorkshire

Business Tourism Award
Warwick Conferences, West Midlands

Family Friendly Accommodation of the Year
Bosinver Farm Cottages, South West

Family Friendly Food & Drink Business of the Year
Chester Zoo

Family Friendly Attraction of the Year
Thames Rockets, London

Bed & Breakfast of the Year
St Cuthbert’s House, North East

Tourism Superstar
Duane Dibartolomeo, Owner, Grosvenor Fish Bar, Norwich

Boutique/Guest Accommodation of the Year
Glazebrook House Hotel, South West

Visitor Information Provider of the Year
Gloucester Tourist Information Centre

GREAT China Welcome of the Year
Blenheim Palace

Tourism Pub of the Year
The Anchor Inn, South West

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Monkey Haven, South East

Dog Friendly Business of the Year
Letheringham Water Mill Holiday Cottages, East of England

Taste of England Award
The Art School, North West

Holiday Park/Holiday Village of the Year
Trethem Mill Touring Park, South West

Self-Catering Holiday Provider of the Year
Blakelow Farm Holiday Cottages, East Midlands

Inclusive Tourism Award
Eden Project

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Waddesdon Manor, South East

Hotel of the Year
Northcote, North West

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award
The Premier League

Services to Tourism Award
VisitEngland chairman Lady Penelope Cobham

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