Business Tourism Award
This award is given to tourism businesses aimed at the corporate sector such as event and exhibition venues and incentives that provide a particularly high level of service.
Winner
Rheged Centre
Redhills, Penrith, Cumbria
The Rheged Centre is hailed to be be Cumbria’s leading family day out for a number of different reasons. Its facilities include 4 giant movies, a new free ‘Discovering Cumbria’ exhibition and a Cumbria information centre.
What not to miss: Giant movies - Five films per day are shown on the biggest movie screen for miles around. The films are suitable for all ages. www.rheged.com
National finalists
imago
Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire
Launched in 2003, imago the conference and event brand for Loughborough University offers three outstanding meeting venues, accommodation and the UK's most extensive sport and leisure facilities.
What not to miss: Sports facilities - They were the training ground for many of the world's most celebrated sports stars including world record breaking athletes Paul Radcliffe, Tani Grey Thompson and Sebastian Coe. www.welcometoimago.co.uk
ExCeL London
1 Western Gateway, Royal Victoria Dock, London
Since opening in 2000, ExCeL London has hosted over 3,000 events and welcomed more than six million people from over 200 different countries.
What not to miss: Authentic Caribbean cuisine is served in a relaxed atmosphere at the Caribbean Scene Restaurant and Cocktail Bar. www.excel-london.co.uk
Regional winners
Woodside
Glasshouse Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire
Woodside, located near the delightful town of Kenilworth, sits amid 32 acres of gardens and grounds; providing a perfect tranquil environment for meetings, conferences, training sessions and all kinds of events.
What not to miss: Guests can borrow Mountain Bikes and helmets should they wish to explore the surrounding villages. There are also maps of local walking and jogging routes. www.sundialgroup.com/woodside
Radisson SAS
Waltham Close, London Stansted Airport, Essex
As the closest hotel to Stansted Airport, the Radisson SAS Hotel London Stansted Airport is just two minutes walk from the airport terminal and has won several awards.
What not to miss: Visit the Audley End House close to Saffron Walden, which was built on the scale of a royal palace and with over 30 lavishly decorated rooms, is still one of England's most magnificent stately homes. www.stansted.radissonsas.com
Event Durham
Durham University, GB22 Mountjoy Research Centre, Block 2, Stockton Road, Durham
From international residential conferences, to formal banquets and wedding receptions, Durham’s unique qualities are guaranteed to make any event a successful and memorable occasion.
What not to miss: Durham - Located on a dramatic peninsula Durham offers a unique Norman cathedral and castle, acres of tranquil woodland and a unique array of excellent cafes, bars and restaurants. www.durham.ac.uk/event.durham
The Watershed
1 Canon’s Road, Harbourside, Bristol
The Watershed is Britain’s first dedicated media centre and is housed in Grade II listed premises on Bristol’s waterfront. The company offers a bespoke events service, with three cinemas featuring state of the art audio/visual facilities.
What not to miss: Watershed is particularly renowned for its range of festivals such as the Encounters International Short Film Festival, Wildscreen, and Slapstick Silent Film Festival. www.watershed.co.uk
Kent Conference Bureau
Maidstone Borough Council, Economic Development, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, Kent
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Kent Conference Bureau plays a key role in business tourism and the economic success of Kent. Formed in 1998 by Maidstone Borough Council, the Bureau quickly expanded and now covers the whole county.
What not to miss: Kent Bureau is able to offer impartial and practical advice and a personalised proposal within 24 working hours. www.conferencekent.co.uk
The Queens Hotel
City Square, Leeds
Located in the heart of Leeds, The Queens Hotel is a stunning venue with its impressive architecture and opulent surroundings lending a real sense of occasion to any corporate event.
What not to miss: When you are in Leeds you must visit Leeds Art Gallery and have a cup of tea in beautifully ornate cafe - the original Victorian reading room. www.qhotels.co.uk
