Awards mark tenth anniversary (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Awards mark tenth anniversary

SALISBURY Tourism Partnership has celebrated its 10th anniversary, the highlight of which was an awards ceremony recognising local businesses that have boosted the tourism industry in south Wiltshire.

The organisers said the standard and quantity of entries in the tourism award - now in their second year - was exceptional.

The partnership involves Salisbury district council and private-sector tourist industry businesses.

The awards ceremony, which was held at the Milford Hall Hotel last Wednesday evening and formed part of the partnership's annual meeting, had two categories.

One was Stars, the Salisbury Tourism Awards and Recognition Scheme for excellent customer service, and the other Best, the Business Enterprise for Salisbury Tourism, which recognises innovative business development.

The awards were judged by an independent panel, which included a mystery shopper visit to short-listed entries.

Chairman Mary Webb told guests that the area was lucky to have such a range and quality of attractions - "to quote one of the judges, probably the best collection of large attractions in the UK", she added.

The award winners were: Large attraction - Wilton House. Small attraction, joint winners - Old Wardour Castle & Old Sarum. Bed and breakfast - Wyndham Park Lodge. Conference venue - Cricketfield House Hotel. Hotel - Milford Hall Hotel. Restaurant - Cafe Med. Self-catering - Garden Flat, Fowlers Road. Travel Trade and Transport - Salisbury City Guides. Best - Salisbury Cathedral. Chairman's award - Peter Watt.