VisitEngland unveils new Awards for Excellence event

VisitEngland has announced the event for its revamped VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020 will be held in Hull on Tuesday 16 June.

Alongside the Awards Presentation at Hull’s DoubleTree by Hilton, VisitEngland will run a tourism Learning Expo at Hull’s Bonus Arena, with all 400 local winners invited to attend.

National finalists will also be invited to the Awards Presentation where Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced in all 15 core categories.

VisitEngland’s chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “We are delighted to be taking VisitEngland's Awards for Excellence to Hull, the UK’s City of Culture. England's tourism landscape is dynamic, competitive and innovative and the new Awards for Excellence reflect developments in products and services.

“The refreshed Awards have been streamlined following consultation with the industry and whilst recognising and rewarding outstanding quality and high standards they now align with local tourism awards across England.”

Councillor Dave Craker, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “These Awards are the highest accolades in English tourism. To host them is an incredible honour for Hull and recognition that the city is developing into a first-class tourist destination.

“The Awards will take place in the DoubleTree by Hilton and Bonus Arena – two fantastic venues and examples of the significant investment in tourism, culture and leisure that we have seen in the city over the past few years.”

Applicants for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020 have been automatically entered into the national Awards as local winners from the 19 aligned competitions across England. New categories include ‘Experience of the Year’, ‘International Tourism Award’ and ‘New Tourism Business Award’.

In addition to the core categories special awards will also be allocated: ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award’, a ‘Travel Content Award’, an ‘International Distribution Award’ and a ‘Tourism Superstar Award’.

The new trade event-style Learning Expo will provide English tourism businesses with tools and expertise to help them promote and enhance their products for the modern consumer. Attendees will have access to ‘Learning Hubs’ that will focus on critical business issues within the industry such as reducing waste and attracting overseas visitors. Each Hub will address a business growth topic with experts on hand to give top tips and answer questions.

The three national finalists for each category will be announced in May 2020, following a rigorous judging process by hand-picked tourism industry experts.