IT’S OFFICIAL – THE WHITE ROSE AWARDS ARE GOOD FOR BUSINESS!

The search is on for the very best in Yorkshire’s Tourism Industry as Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB) launches the 2008 White Rose Awards, designed to recognise excellence in the tourism industry. So if you are a shining example of the very best of the best in the Yorkshire tourism industry, why not enter and be in with a chance of winning this prestigious accolade?

The benefits to your business could be huge. Just see what some of last year’s winners claim:

"Winning the Best Tourism Experience Award for 'Castle Howard: The Family Home at Christmas' has been amazing. It was a reward for everyone who put so much hard work into our Christmas opening and a real boost for visitor numbers."
Castle Howard

“After winning the YTB White Rose Award, we noticed an immediate increase in visitor numbers during September as a result of the level of press coverage gained. We have used the logo and title “Visitor Attraction of the Year” in all our 2008 promotional material. The other great benefit of winning is the staff being recognized for all the hard work they put into making the National Coal Mining Museum for England the fantastic place it is.”
National Coal Mining Museum for England

“Just wanted to let you know how pleased we are with the response we have had to our recent White Rose Award. We have had a noticeable increase in bookings after people have seen coverage about the Award”
General Tartleton Inn.

David Andrews, Chief Executive, YTB, said:

“These prestigious awards, that recognise excellence in the industry, do not put your business in the limelight for just one evening, they allow you to use this accolade within your marketing material and bring tangible long term benefits. If you are serious about giving your business a real boost, this is one of the most efficient and high profile ways of achieving your goal.

This year we are also extremely proud to be introducing our 'Access for All' Tourism Award which recognises those businesses that ensure guests with disabilities have a truly memorable holiday”

The deadline for nominations in the 17 categories, listed below, is 6th June 2008.
1. Best Newcomer to Tourism Award
2. Yorkshire Pub of the Year
3. Guest Accommodation of the Year
4. Hotel of the Year (up to 50 bedrooms)
5. Hotel of the Year (35 bedrooms & over)
6. Visitor Attraction of the Year (under 50,000 visitors)
7. Visitor Attraction of the Year (50,000 visitors & over)
8. Business Tourism Award of the Year
9. Self-Catering Holiday of the Year
10. Caravan Holiday Park of the Year
11. Tourist Information Service of the Year
12. Tourism Website of the Year
13. Outstanding Customer Service Award
14. Taste of Yorkshire Award
15. Best Tourism Experience of the Year
16. Sustainable Tourism Award
17. Access for All Tourism Award

The winners will be announced at a sparkling awards ceremony to be held in September. Winners from the White Rose Awards 2008 (excluding categories 1 & 2) will be put forward as Yorkshire’s exclusive nominations for the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2009. Last year Yorkshire claimed seven of the national gold and silver awards, putting the region firmly on the ‘Excellence map’.