NEWS
KENT ATTRACTIONS CELEBRATE RECOGNITION
AT BEAUTIFUL SOUTH AWARDS
Run by Tourism South East in partnership with Services for Tourism Ltd, the awards recognise achievement in the tourism industry over the last 18 months. In a
prestigious evening, compered by travel journalist and broadcaster, Simon Calder, eighty businesses were awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze awards at the black tie
event at The Grand Hotel in Brighton.
HEVER CASTLE WINNER IN THREE
CATEGORIES AT TOP INDUSTRY AWARDS
Staff at Hever Castle are celebrating after getting a
hattrick at the Beautiful South awards.
The historic attraction scooped a gold award in the
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category, was
awarded a joint gold with Blenheim Palace in the
Wedding Venue of the Year category, whilst the
Hever Castle 5* bed and breakfast was given a
bronze award in the Small Hotel of the Year category.
Duncan Leslie, CEO of Hever Castle said: “We are
absolutely thrilled to have won two gold awards and
one bronze at the Beautiful South Awards – the top
industry awards for the tourism industry. To be
named best Large Visitor Attraction and best
Wedding Venue in the South East is a huge honour
and is testament to the hard work and dedication of
all our staff across all the departments.”
LEEDS CASTLE WINS SILVER
Leeds Castle was delighted to be awarded Silver in the prestigious category of
‘Large Visitor Attraction of the Year’. With the award providing the perfect finale
to the Castle’s landmark 900th anniversary year long celebrations.
Judging is carried out by a panel of industry leaders and experts in their field,
selected for their impartiality, experience and suitability for each category. Each
attraction is judged on their online presence, how they encourage visitors to visit,
digital performance including social media, accessibility and reputation and online
reviews. In their summary, the judges commented that Leeds Castle is “a magnificent
Castle with excellent facilities”.
KENT LIFE CELEBRATE AWARD FOR ITS POPULAR
‘EXPERIENCE CHRISTMAS’ EVENT
Maidstone family attraction Kent Life Heritage Farm Park scooped the Silver trophy
for its popular Experience Christmas event in the Tourism Event / Festival of the
Year category.
Says Kent Life Heritage Farm Park general manager Natalie Cox, "We're
thrilled to receive industry recognition for our popular Christmas Experience event,
which sold out again last year. The team works so hard to transform the attraction
and deliver a magical festive experience for families and this award is thoroughly
deserved.
"We're continually looking for ways to add value and this year, we have introduced
a day for children with additional needs, which has had an amazing response."
Mark Smith, chairman of Tourism South East, said: ‘What a night! I was blown
away by the sheer quality of the tourism businesses and experiences celebrating the
trophies. Through some incredibly hard work, talent and determination, they have
all achieved well deserved success and will be a great example to others. I am certain
that they will inspire other businesses across the UK.”
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