Lancashire Tourism Awards announced the finalists for 2024, kicking off an evaluation process for the county’s leading tourism and hospitality businesses. These contenders, representing a wide range of sectors, will undergo mystery shopping, site visits, and interviews with independent judges, culminating in a gala ceremony in February 2025, where the winners will be revealed.
The awards attracted entries from a diverse range of businesses across Lancashire. Vikki Harris, marketing and partnership director at Marketing Lancashire, highlighted the “rigorous” nature of the selection process.
“We wish them luck through the next stages of the competition and look forward to celebrating with them at the awards ceremony early next year. Some of the finalists will now be visited by mystery shoppers and some by appointment, but all will have the opportunity to meet with our esteemed panel of judges in November,” she explained.
According to a press release, the judges will review all submitted evidence, reports, and interviews before making their final selections for the 2024 Lancashire Tourism Awards.
The finalists for the 2024 Lancashire Tourism Awards span a wide array of categories. Competing for top honors in the camping, glamping & holiday park category are Hedgerow Luxury Glamping in Newsholme, Samlesbury Hall, The Secret Garden Glamping in Skelmersdale, and Wonderland Retreats in Carnforth.
In the accessible & inclusive tourism category, Blackpool Zoo, The Estuary Riverside Chalets in Hambleton, and WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough are in the running.
In the business events venue category, it features the Anderton Centre in Chorley, Samlesbury Hall, Stanley House Hotel & Spa in Mellor, and Winter Gardens Blackpool.
The cultural venue/organization category sees Lancaster Grand Theatre, Samlesbury Hall, The Dukes in Lancaster, The Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens in Lytham, The Whitaker Museum and Art Gallery in Rawtenstall, and Winter Gardens Blackpool as finalists.
For dog friendly business, Affinity Lancashire in Fleetwood, Samlesbury Hall, The Lawrence in Padiham, and The Millstone in Mellor, part of Daniel Thwaites, are contenders. Additionally, ethical, responsible & sustainable tourism finalists include Brickhouse Farm Cottages in Hambleton, The Three Fishes in Mitton, and WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre in Burscough.
Another aspect of the ward is the experience of the year category. This includes Black Knights Parachute Centre in Cockerham, Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours, and The Woodland Spa in Burnley.
Furthermore, family-owned or run businesses in the spotlight are 1842 & Ivory Tower, Dowsons Dairies in Clayton-Le-Dale, Foxfields Country Hotel in Billington, Harrison Holidays in Preston, and Staining Lodge Golf Course in Staining.
For the complete finalists of Lancashire Tourism Awards, visit their website here.
