The search is on to find The Peak District & Derbyshire’s finest tourism businesses, as entries open for the 2008 East Midlands Tourism Enjoy England Excellence Awards.

 

Awards organiser, East Midlands Tourism is looking for businesses that excel in delivering outstanding visitor experiences, and has introduced a new streamlined application process this year to help find those that are going the extra mile.

 

With 17 awards up for grabs businesses have until 23 May to get their entries in. The 2008 categories include Best Self Catering Holiday, Best Tourism Experience, Best Pub, Large and Small Hotels and Outstanding Customer Service. This year also sees the introduction of a new Access For All award which is aimed at businesses offering high levels of service and facilities to visitors with varying access requirements.

 

Last year, Jane and Henry Stretton, co-owners of Dove Farm scooped gold in the Tourism Website Category. Jane commented on their success: “There’s no doubt that winning this award has had a positive impact on our business. We have been able to use it to our advantage, highlighting the win on our website has attracted media publicity and definitely raised the profile of our business. We have worked hard to develop a website that is detailed and accessible to everyone and for this to be recognised is fantastic. I would definitely recommend other tourism businesses in The Peak District & Derbyshire enter these awards as they give businesses, both small and large, the opportunity to demonstrate the quality of what they have to offer.”

 

Steve Brown, Chairman of East Midlands Tourism, echoes Jane Stretton’s comments. “These awards are designed not only to identify the very best of the region’s tourism businesses, but to let those businesses set a benchmark to which the rest of the East Midlands tourism industry can aspire. They communicate an important message to visitors about the region’s commitment to service and also provide the region's tourism industry with an opportunity to raise its profile nationally.  We know there are a lot of really good businesses out there who are doing a great job and these awards provide them with the opportunity to come forward and have their contribution recognised. I would therefore urge them all to come forward and apply this year.”

 

Dove Farm was one of six Peak District & Derbyshire businesses to win an award at last year’s ceremony. Croft View Cottage near Eyam, Chesterfield Tourist Information Centre, Tindalls Bakery & Delicatessen in Tideswell and Hoe Grange Holidays near Matlock all scooped silver awards with Ripley Tourist Information Centre achieving bronze.

 

Businesses interested in entering this year’s awards should contact Georgina Heathcote at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire on 01332 594542 or visit www.eastmidlandstourism.com