Fylde coast triumphs at tourism awards

Accommodation, attractions and individuals were all singled out for praise at last night’s event at Preston’s Guild Hall, hosted by design supremo Wayne Hemingway.

Among the local winners was Blackpool’s Number One St Luke’s, owned by Claire and Mark Smith and named bed and breakfast business of the year.

A national Enjoy England Gold winner in 2008, it was described as the original standard bearer for “boutique” style guest accommodation.

Judges remarked on impeccable attention to detail and uncompromising quality.

In St Annes, The Dalmeny was large hotel of the year. Never resting on its laurels and constantly looking to improve its substantial offer, the Dalmeny was summed up as having all the friendliness and warmth of a small hotel, with all the attractions and facilities that customers demand of a large, modern hotel.

In Wyre, there was 
another win for Carr Royd Parks/Sunset Park, where the judges said bosses “have again raised the bar” in the caravan park category. They were particularly impressed by their continuing developments to the site and the constant efforts to improve their offer.

Madame Tussauds, on Blackpool’s Golden Mile, took the marketing crown for its opening campaign using celebrities – and their uncanny wax likenesses – to great effect.

Exceptional guest service experienced by a mystery shopper, coupled with “impressive marketing initiatives and the warmest of welcomes”, made Blackpool’s Sandcastle Waterpark clear winner as top large attraction, which also won, for the second year running, the Access For All award.

Finally, helping revitalise Garstang, the visitor centre was named Lancashire’s best, “an invaluable resource” with a mystery shopper overall score of 100 per cent.