The excitement is building as the deadline for the 2024-25 Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards draws near. With just over a week remaining until entries close on September 9th, businesses across the county are encouraged to participate in this prestigious competition.
These free-to-enter awards encompass 20 categories, welcoming attractions, venues, accommodation providers, restaurants, pubs, cafes, and farm shops based in Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent. Organized by the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), in collaboration with Staffordshire University and VisitEngland, the awards provide a valuable platform for businesses to receive recognition for their exceptional visitor experiences.
Winning an award not only brings local acclaim but also opens doors for businesses to compete at a national level in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. This chance for national recognition is a powerful motivator for many businesses, as it can lead to increased visibility, customer trust, and ultimately, a boost in tourism.
Alastair Budd, Chair of the LVEP partnership and Senior Director of the Trentham Estate, has been actively encouraging businesses to participate. He emphasizes the thriving tourism economy in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, highlighting the diverse range of attractions and activities that appeal to both local and international visitors. Budd envisions the area as the “largest playground in the UK,” aiming to enhance the destination’s global appeal. He believes the annual awards serve not only as a means to promote tourism but also as a way to bring together businesses and individuals who contribute to the sector’s success. By celebrating the best in the industry, the awards foster a sense of community and shared achievement among local tourism professionals.
Philip White, Deputy Leader at Staffordshire County Council, echoes Budd’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of the awards in showcasing the county’s vibrant tourism landscape. He points out that Staffordshire’s charm lies in its diverse offerings, from historical landmarks to natural beauty, making it a fantastic place to visit. White urges businesses to submit their nominations before the deadline, recognizing the awards as a unique opportunity to showcase their contributions to the county’s appeal as a tourist destination.
Similarly, Cllr Jane Ashworth, Leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, emphasizes the importance of the awards in promoting the city’s unique attractions. Ashworth highlights Stoke-on-Trent’s thriving tourism sector, which is home to a variety of distinct and appealing sites. She encourages local businesses to take advantage of the awards to gain recognition and to help boost the city’s profile as a must-visit destination in the UK.
The Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards have broader implications for the travel industry, both locally and nationally. Recognizing and celebrating excellence in tourism not only helps individual businesses but also enhances the overall image of the region. For travelers, the awards signal a commitment to quality and a positive visitor experience, which can influence their decision-making when choosing destinations. On a global scale, as more regions adopt similar initiatives, the competition fosters an environment of continuous improvement within the tourism industry. Businesses are encouraged to innovate and elevate their services to meet the high standards recognized by these awards. This, in turn, leads to a better experience for travelers and promotes sustainable tourism practices that benefit local economies.
For international travelers, the prominence of such awards helps in identifying destinations that offer high-quality experiences. As Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent enhance their global appeal through initiatives like these awards, they are likely to attract more visitors from abroad. This influx of international tourists can have a positive economic impact, creating jobs and supporting local businesses, while also fostering cultural exchange.
With the countdown to the 2024-25 Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards well underway, it is crucial for businesses in the region to take this opportunity seriously. Participating in the awards not only brings recognition and potential national accolades but also contributes to the collective effort of positioning Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as premier destinations in the UK. The travel industry stands to benefit significantly from such initiatives, as they promote high standards, encourage innovation, and ultimately enhance the traveler’s experience. As the deadline looms, businesses are reminded to submit their entries and become part of an event that celebrates the very best in tourism.
