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Staffordshire’s best tourism and food businesses to be crowned

Staffordshire’s tourism businesses are preparing to battle it out in the annual Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards taking place on 24 October.

Almost 50 businesses from across the county have been shortlisted, from more than 80 applications, and will find out if they were successful at the glittering black-tie event, which takes place at Aston Marina in Stone.

The 7th annual competition will recognise excellence in tourism and hospitality businesses, such as visitor attractions, accommodation, experiences, restaurants, pubs and tearooms. Awards are available in 17 categories.

Many of the ‘Gold’ winners will progress to represent Staffordshire at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2020.

Hosted by BBC Midlands Today presenter Joanne Malin, the event, which starts at 7:00pm, is expected to attract more than 150 guests.

Winners of tourism awards
The winners of the 2018 Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism Awards with their trophies

Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Staffordshire County Council and Deputy Chair of Destination Staffordshire said:

“Tourism is a really important sector for Staffordshire and our awards give us the opportunity to celebrate with all our providers.

“Our local tourism businesses continue to do a great job, attracting more and more visitors, bringing in around £1.8billion for the local economy each year and sustaining tens of thousands of jobs.

“We are a wonderful county to visit with great locations, attractions and wonderful pubs, restaurants and farm shops that we are very proud of.

“I’m very much looking forward to the event and would like to wish everyone who has been short listed the best of luck.”

Last year’s winners included Drayton Manor Park, named Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, Swinfen Hall Hotel in Lichfield (Hotel of the Year), The Roebuck in Leek (Pub of the Year) and Dalraddy Cottage in Cannock Chase (Self-catering property of the Year).

Early Bird tickets are now on sale for the event, priced at £50 each. They include reception drinks with canapes, a three-course dinner which features Staffordshire produce and locally made cheese with coffee / tea.

Visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com/tastetickets to book and for more information.

Headline and category sponsorship packages for the event are available. Current sponsors include NFU Mutual (Stone Agency), Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Growth Hub, Staffordshire Business Environment Network (SBEN), and RH Advertising Ltd.

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