09/02/2010

Visit York is delighted to announce that writer, broadcaster and fiercely-proud Yorkshireman, Gervase Phinn will present the York Tourism Awards 2010 at a glittering black tie event on Thursday 22 April 2010 at the National Railway Museum.

Before going on to become a very successful and much loved writer, Gervase Phinn started out as a teacher and then worked as a schools inspector charged with driving up standards. Known as the ‘James Herriot of schools', Gervase will host the prestigious annual event, in which York's top tourism businesses, attractions, guesthouses and hotels will compete for titles in thirteen categories:

Hotel of the Year* - sponsored by Yorkshire Laundry Services

Guest Accommodation of the Year* - sponsored by Barry Crux and Co

Self Catering/Caravan Park of the Year* - Sponsored by New Vision

Conference Venue of the Year* - Sponsored by Saville Audio Visual

Award in Culinary Excellence - Sponsored by DeliciouslYorkshire

Taste of York Award* - Sponsored by Morrell Middleton

Visitor Attraction of the Year (under 50,000 visitors)* - Sponsored by York City Sightseeing

Visitor Attraction of the Year (50,000 visitors & over)* - Sponsored by The Jespers Office

Visitor Experience of the Year* - Sponsored by FR Fowler and Son

Marketing Campaign of the Year - Sponsored by Leeds Bradford International Airport

Outstanding Customer Service Award* - Sponsored by Pindar

Employer of the Year - Sponsored by Denison Till

York Ambassador - Sponsored by Ware and Kay

Winners of selected categories (marked with * in the above list) will automatically go forward to the Welcome to Yorkshire White Rose Awards for Tourism which will be held later in the year.

Nominations for the highly prized title of Ambassador for 2010 will be kept secret until the awards ceremony.  This award is given each year to someone who has gone beyond the call of duty to promote the city to York's visitors.  Last year's winner, Berwick Kaler and the York Theatre Royal Pantomime, will be passing on the title to this year's deserving winner.

With the deadline fast-approaching (19 February 2010), Visit York is encouraging all tourism businesses in York and the surrounding area to send in their entries for this year's awards, which celebrate individual and collective achievement in the pursuit of excellence in tourism.

Gervase said, ‘York is my favourite city.  I used to visit here frequently as a child and have such fond memories of the place.  Now my work with the Bar Convent and York St John University ensures I keep in touch with what's happening -  I never fail to be amazed at the variety of festivals going on and the city's incredibly beautiful buildings.   It will be a great pleasure and delight to compere the York Tourism Awards 2010.'

Gillian Cruddas, Chief Executive of Visit York said ‘The York Tourism Awards offer an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase themselves and their achievements.  Visit York is committed to driving up standards of product and service in the city's tourism industry, and we would encourage any tourism business who hasn't yet entered to get in touch and send us their entries.'

For full information on how to enter the Awards including the categories, criteria and entry forms, visit www.visityork.org/awards Tickets to the Awards dinner will be on sale shortly priced at £40 per ticket and businesses can register their interest now in attending by visiting www.visityork.org/awards.

For further information on either entering the Awards or attending the event please contact Alison Ruddick at Visit York email ar@visityork.org ENDS