Annual Awards Celebrate the best of Bristol’s Tourism Industry

Tourism business across Bristol are celebrating this morning following Destination Bristol’s annual Tourism and Hospitality Awards ceremony and dinner held last night at Bristol Marriott City Centre hotel, hosted by Jack FM’s Ian Downs.

There were around 150 nominations in total, with the newly refurbished Horts pub in the Old City named ‘Pub of the Year’, At-Bristol Science Centre’s ice rink taking the ‘Tourism Experience of the Year’ award, whilst Gromit Unleashed, the hugely popular public art trail across Bristol last summer, took the title of ‘Tourism Event of the Year’. The winning organisations now go forward to represent Bristol in the VisitEngland Awards, taking place in May 2014.

In addition to seventeen award categories, a special recognition award was given to Josh Eggleton for his efforts to set Bristol apart as a remarkable destination for quality food and drink. Josh is joint proprietor and head chef at Michelin-starred pub The Pony and Trap in Chew Magna, is a founder of the annual Eat, Drink Bristol Fashion event held in May, and devised the menu at Yurt Lush, a unique restaurant housed in a Mongolian Yurt at Bristol’s Creative Common.

Kathryn Davis, Destination Bristol’s Head of Tourism, said; “The awards ceremony is our annual opportunity to bring together tourism businesses and individuals from the area and celebrate their achievements over the last twelve months. We had very worthy nominations in all the categories, and picking winners from such a strong field was a huge challenge. It highlights what a great range of first-rate attractions, entertainment, eateries and accommodation we have in Bristol, but crucially it also recognises the efforts of the exceptional individuals that are behind them.”

The awards evening also raised money for Wallace and Gromit's Grand Appeal, supporting The Bristol Children's Hospital. For more information about Destination Bristol’s Tourism and Hospitality Awards.