Five businesses from the East of England have been recognised at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023.
The businesses, which were all either winners or finalists at the East of England Tourism Awards 2022-2023, were crowned the best in the country at a celebration event on June 7.
Piglets Boutique Country Stay in Wimbish, Essex, won the B&B and Guest House of the Year. “We are thrilled to win this prestigious award that recognises excellence in tourism,” said owner Chrissie Parker. “We have achieved so much in the few years of opening Piglets B&B and this is the icing in the top.
“All the finalists were shining examples of what Britain has to offer for accommodation. We’d like to thank Visit Essex for their support and Visit England for this award.”
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Watford, Hertfordshire, was the winner of the Large Attraction of the Year category. Geoff Spooner, SVP and general manager, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Studio Tour won the Gold award. This is one of the most prestigious awards for any visitor attraction to win and it is fantastic recognition of all the amazing work that our team do every day to ensure the Studio Tour exceeds visitor expectations.”
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, won the Small Attraction of the Year category. Founder Ed Pope said: “We are blown away by this recognition and just so proud to put west Norfolk firmly on the map as a fabulous visitor destination.
“Our team and volunteers are so passionate about what they do - it comes across in every encounter and winning a national award of this calibre is absolutely down to the contribution of each and every one of them.”
Thorington Theatre in Saxmundham, Suffolk, took the top spot in the New Tourism Business of the Year category. “Winning Gold for the New Tourism Business is overwhelming,” said owner Lindy O’Hare. “We are thrilled and really proud to have a venue on the Suffolk Heritage Coast that is attracting so many visitors both local and further afield.
“The touring theatre troupes, musicians and comedians that entertain our audiences all help make magic in the woods. We love working with our local suppliers - Lickety Ice, Fairfields Farm Crisps and Encore ale are all a taste of the East of England. So it’s thank you to all these various individuals for making us an award-winning theatre.”
The Unruly Pig in Bromeswell, Suffolk, took Silver in the Taste of England Award category. “This is glorious news for our wonderful team and a testament for their graft and dedication,” said owner Brendan Padfield. “It is also fantastic news for Suffolk and East Anglia. National awards like this help our county in growing the number of food tourists visiting East Anglia.
“The fact is that Suffolk is a chef’s heaven - there is so much high quality, local produce available and this award will therefore help spread that word about Suffolk’s growing reputation for being a foodie destination.”
Pete Waters, executive director of Visit East of England, said: “We were thrilled to see the region awarded so many Gold awards and a Silver in the national awards, highlighting what a fabulous tourism offering we have,” said “Congratulations to them and to all the finalists in the East of England Awards who play such an important role in what is our largest industry sector and biggest employer.”
Paul Evans, vice president – Portfolio, Awaze – the parent company of Hoseasons, which sponsors the East of England Tourism Awards, said: “Congratulations to all the winners, but particularly those from the eastern region. It just goes to show what a fantastic tourism offer we have in this part of the world, and how innovation and investment are always a winning combination when it comes to standing out from the competition.”
The East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024 will launch for entries in July. For details, keep an eye on tourismawards.co.uk
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