Time to celebrate tourism

20th September 2010

 The annual search is now on to find the stars of the local tourism, leisure and hospitality industry with the launch of the 2010 St.Helens Tourism and Leisure Awards.

Entries are now open, with 12 categories in total, from the Most Professional Bar Person, to Most Helpful Retail Assistant, to Chef of the Year. Once again there will also be a special award for the St.Helens Ambassador, which last year was presented to Gary Conley, lead ex-miner for the development of the award-winning international artwork Dream.

Nominees who are short-listed in the awards will be invited to attend a special gala dinner on Friday 28th January 2011 at Haydock Park Racecourse. The winners will receive a trophy and short listed nominees receive a Highly Commended certificate.

Councillor Barrie Grunewald, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture, Communications and Town Centre says: “Open to all tourism related businesses, the awards shine the spotlight on St.Helens quality tourism product and celebrate the industry’s passion for excellence.

The 12 award categories range from Most Welcoming Receptionist to Tourism/ Leisure Entrepreneur of the Year. It is particularly important that we celebrate the achievements of our young people, which is why we have the category for Outstanding Young Person of the Year. They are the future of the industry and we are delighted to be able to recognise their talents.”

The categories are:
· Most Welcoming Receptionist
· Most Helpful Retail Assistant
· Most Professional Sports & Leisure Person
· Most Professional Bar Person
· Most Professional Waiter/ Waitress
· The Unseen Hero
· Chef of the Year (19 years old and above)
· Outstanding Young Person of the Year (16-25)
· Team of the Year
· Most Supportive Tourism/ Leisure Manager/ Supervisor
· Tourism/ Leisure Entrepreneur of the Year
· 2010 St.Helens Ambassador

The closing date for nominations is Friday 29th October and the shortlist of successful candidates will be announced in November. The awards ceremony will take place on Friday 28th January 2011 at Haydock Park Racecourse.

For further information or to receive a nomination form telephone 01744 67 3288 or complete the application on-line.