FINALISTS and winners of the 2011 Tourism Awards have been named.
They received their awards at a ceremony held at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club.
Now in its sixth year, the awards recognise the outstanding customer service and dedication provided by individuals who make a significant commitment to both quality and service in the Isle of Man tourism industry.
Nominations were submitted by visitors and residents who were asked for feedback on tourism organisations that provided an enjoyable and reliable holiday experience.
The judging panel consisted of Deputy Chief Constable Gary Roberts, Peter Whittaker of Heron and Brearley and Tony Palmer of 3FM.
Awards were presented by Geoff Corkish MHK, the Department of Economic Development member with responsibility for tourism.
He said: ‘The awards celebrate the very best of the Isle of Man’s tourism industry as we all join together to constantly drive up standards.
‘All of our finalists here with us today are winners and I congratulate their enthusiasm and the confidence they have in the future of tourism.
‘I would also like to extend my thanks to our three judges, Gary Roberts, Peter Whittaker and Tony Palmer, each of whom had the difficult task of selecting the winners.’
The guest speaker at the event was Gary Roberts. He said: ‘It has been a great pleasure to chair the judging of the tourism awards for the second year.
‘At a time when there often appears to be precious little good news in the world, the individual effort, the commitment to quality and the positive, caring attitude of so many people in the tourism industry stood out.
‘In every category we saw great examples of people who offer something special to visitors. All of those nominated today deserve great praise for the part they are playing in helping to sustain and develop the tourist industry. This is truly a good news story.’
Winner of the best hotel was The Chesterhouse and best guesthouse was the Croit-ny-Bane Farmhouse at Andreas. Best self-catering accommodation was Beach Cottage at Maughold and IOM Trike Tours was named Attraction of the Year.
Lower Ballacottier won the best campsite and hostel award, while Harbour Lights was named best eating out experience.
Isle of Man Cycle Hire received the accolade for best customer service, Laxey picked up the best village award and the Walking Festival was named Event of the Year.
RESULTS
Best Hotel:
The Welbeck, Douglas.
The Sefton, Douglas.
The Chesterhouse, Douglas.
Winner: The Chesterhouse.
Best Guest Accommodation
Ballahane House, Port St Mary.
Croit-ny-Bane Farmhouse, Andreas.
Beachcroft Guest House, Port St Mary.
Winner: Croit-ny-Bane Farmhouse.
Best Self-Catering Accommodation
Beach Cottage, Maughold.
Ben-My-Chree Cottage, Peel.
Groudle Glen Cottages, Onchan.
Winner: Beach Cottage.
Attraction of the Year
Manx Museum.
IOM Trike Tours.
The Isle of Man Steam Railway and Castle Rushen partnership.
Winner: IOM Trike Tours.
Best Campsite and Hostel
Peel Campsite.
Cronk Aashen.
Lower Ballacottier.
Winner: Lower Ballacottier.
Best Eating Out Experience
Jak’s Steakhouse.
Harbour Lights.
Savoy Hotel.
Winner: Harbour Lights.
Best Customer Service
Isle of Man Cycle Hire.
IOM Trike Tours.
Isle of Man Transport.
Winner: Isle of Man Cycle Hire.
Best Town or Village
Peel.
Castletown.
Laxey.
Winner: Laxey.
Event of the Year
End 2 End Mountain Bike Race.
Parish Walk.
Walking Festival.
Winner: Walking Festival.