2009 - The Winners
The final results of the Tourism ExSEllence Awards covering the South East of England were announced on Thursday 22nd October at the fastest ever sell out glittering Gala dinner at the Wentworth Club, Surrey. Businesses in the South East received Gold, Silver or Highly Commended Awards in 17 categories. The Awards Ceremony was hosted by former Tourism Minister and popular television personality, Gyles Brandreth.
Here's what some of our winners had to say…
Andrew Comben, Chief Executive , Brighton Dome and Festival, East Sussex
Gold Award, Tourism Event of the Year
“We had an incredible Festival this year with exceptional performances and rave reviews, and it was terrific to see the whole city showing itself off at Festival time. Brighton was in the spotlight as never before with our newly focussed programme gaining more attention and recognition, and we’re delighted to see that we attracted increased visitor numbers engaging with the Festival. It is fantastic to win this award and gain industry recognition after such a successful year.”
Jayne Pritchard, Visitor Services Manager , The Lightbox, Surrey
Gold Award, Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
“To win Small Visitor Attraction of the Year is such a wonderful accolade to all that hard work that is put in at The Lightbox. We have a dedicated team of staff and volunteers that continually strive to make our visitor experience the best that it can be and this award is a real testament to this.”
Daniel Wait, South Lodge Hotel, West Sussex
Gold Award, Business Tourism and Large Hotel of the Year
"Business Tourism is an important sector to our hotel and in the current economic climate we have stayed committed to raise quality and appreciate that our work in this area has been recognised on a regional level. The Marketing and Promotion opportunities that come alongside the Awards programme are invaluable in helping us to raise awareness about our business."
Liz Cottingham, Owner , The Mill at Gordleton, Hampshire
Gold Award, Sustainable Tourism and Highly Commended Small Hotel of the Year
"We were thrilled to be part of the 2009 Tourism ExSEllence Awards and the evening itself enabled us the perfect opportunity to reward all of our employees for their contributions towards us becoming finalists in two categories. A wonderful venue and a wonderful night-thank you"
Photographs from the 2009 Awards Ceremony
To request further images from the evening please contact Hannah Payne on 02380625471 or
e-mail hpayne@tourismse.com
The Tourism ExSEllence Awards are hosted and organised by Tourism South East
For further information please contact Dan Holmes on 023 8062 5449 or getdiscovered2009@tourismse.com