Resort is cream of the tourism crop

One of the biggest success stories was the arrival of the Blackpool Resort Pass, bringing together a host of attractions under a singleticket.

The pass picked up the Marketeing Initiative award with judges saying: “This shows the power of working in partnership to maximise the chocies available to visitors and the pass is an excellent addition to the resort’s offering.”

Blackpool Zoo, named Top Large Attraction, was hailed as “a world-class example of a modern animal attraction with a commitment to conservation which is admired across the globe.”

At Blackpool Pleasure Beach, winner of the new category of Best for Groups award, the fun park bosses and staff were told: “You know your market for groups and have realised the special needs of clients in order to tailor make each experience, with particularly effective appeal to families and children.”

Sandcastle Waterpark collected the Customer Service award with judges declaring: “The customer is number one and staff at all levels put themselves in the shoes of visitors, forever exceeding expectations. They know what their customer wants and they deliver.”

In Fylde, The Spa Hotel at Ribby Hall Village, Wrea Green, secured the luxury experience award with judges summing up: “After massive investment and a visionary approach to the customers’ neeeds this hotel and spa is a shining example to all other luxury establishments and provides the ultimate pampering experience.”

The Cartford Inn, Little Eccleston, was named as Best B&B/Guest Accommodation with “large investment in the property now paying off both in displaying huge quality, greater occupancy and exellence in customer service”.

In Wyre, Bleasdale Cottages, Bleasdale collected the Green Tourism award for displaying “an excellent commitment to green policies through putting a wide range of practical actions in place to provide a good quality service while minimising the environmental impact”.

The black tie awards, hosted by travel writer and broadcaster Simon Calder, were organised by Marketing Lancashire and held in Blackburn Cathedral last night.

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