insideKENT Magazine issue 94 - January2020 | Page 43

DAVID CURTIS-BRIGNELL PRESENTS PROFIT INTERNATIONAL AWARD. WINNERS OF THE PROFIT INTERNATIONAL AWARD - MIJN LIEVELINGSPLEK Woodchurch-based Kent attraction The Rare Breeds Centre also picked up a special award recognising their on-going charity work with the Family Holiday Association. The award was presented by John Kinnear from the Family Holiday Association, who commented “We are thrilled to work with so many Kent attractions who have generously given us so many tickets over the years to help us offer family days out to struggling families having a tough time. This award really recognises that the Rare Breeds Centre have gone above and beyond this year, donating tickets throughout the entire year and helping us to deliver family days out to people that really need them.” An additional award to mark the end of the 3-year PROFIT cross border partner project, was also celebrated with five finalists including West Flanders in Belgium, Zeeland in the Netherlands, Pas-de- Calais in France, Essex and Kent. PROFIT is an Interreg European funded project that has helped coach and build the capacity of Kent’s SMEs through innovation and collaboration. Mijn Lievelingsplek (which means My favourite Place) received this special PROFIT International Award, recognising their commitment to the project and personal innovation journey. From the Netherlands, this group of 17 small farm campsites led by women, shared their passion, collaborated and marketed their campsites together rather than individually, putting their visitors first. insideKENT Magazine was proud to sponsor the “Experience of the Year Award”. Publishing director Adam Ready said: “It was great to be at an event that celebrates so many amazing Kent businesses and attractions, all of whom fly the flag for Kent tourism. I was delighted to present this award to Vine + Country Tours and look forward to seeing them grow.” incredible tourism businesses with another year of the Kent Tourism Awards. From first-rate accommodation providers to exceptional visitor attractions, this year’s winners really demonstrate the quality and diversity of Kent’s current tourism offering. Delivering extraordinary experiences, delicious food and drink and a world-class warm welcome, Kent’s businesses continue to grow the visitor economy in Kent and we’re very proud to take a moment to celebrate their achievements. Congratulations to all the 2019 winners and nominees!” The awards were devised and launched in 2017 by destination specialists Go To Places - who deliver Visit Kent - to reward exceptional standards of customer service and outstanding visitor experiences within the local tourism industry. Following an initial round of judging by an expert panel of independent tourism judges, the shortlisted finalists were decided by mystery shopping visits. Winners will automatically go through to compete in Visit England’s National Awards for Excellence. Deirdre Wells OBE, CEO of Go To Places, said: “We’re thrilled to celebrate and honour Kent’s 43