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2 Oct 2009 Rapport stages Northwest Tourism Awards 2009 at Blackpool Tower Ballroom

On Monday 28th September the region’s top tourism businesses and professionals gathered in Blackpool’s famous Tower Ballroom for the sixth annual England’s Northwest Tourism Awards.

Organised by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the prestigious event aims to drive up the quality of the visitor experience across the region by rewarding excellence in the tourism industry. This year’s event was hosted by BBC North West Tonight presenter Ranvir Singh.

A total of 18 accolades were handed out, including the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award which was presented to Nigel Haworth of Northcote near Blackburn. The Lancashire-born chef was recognised for his work as an ambassador for the region’s fantastic food.

In addition to receiving a prestigious title and trophy, many of the winners now have the opportunity to represent the Northwest in the national awards, organised by VisitEngland in April 2010.

Here's just some of the thoughts of attendees:

"The NW awards were the best organised and most professional she has ever been to, great venue, good food and the best 'oscar'."

"I would like to thank you all again, for such a brilliant night."

"Please pass on my congratulations to the organisers for providing such an excellent menu. It featured only local produce, was thought about in terms of the location of what it represented and given the numbers was delivered extremely well. That should be the bench mark by which all Tourism dinners are judged in our region."

Photography by Ben Page

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