Bondholders in the running for tourism awards glory

Morley Hayes and Derby Museums have been shortlisted for awards which recognise the best tourism and hospitality businesses in the region.

The shortlist for the Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards – Derbyshire has been revealed.

Following a strong response to this year’s awards, finalists have been announced across 14 categories, recognising excellence in accommodation, attractions, food and drink and visitor experiences, as well as the passionate people working in the area’s tourism industry.

Delivered by Visit Peak District, Derbyshire & Derby, the VisitEngland-accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership, the awards celebrate excellence, innovation, sustainability and outstanding customer experiences across Derbyshire’s £3.58 billion visitor economy.

The awards form part of the Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards programme, which brings together the established tourism awards programmes for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire under a shared regional banner, showcasing the breadth and quality of tourism across the East Midlands.

Morley Hayes has been shortlisted for the Regenerative Tourism Award and in the Taste of Derbyshire – Restaurant category.

Derby Museums’ Museum of Making is a finalist in the Visitor Attraction of the Year category while Jaimee Truss-Clarke is in the running for the Tourism Young Achiever Award.

Finalists will now progress to the final round of independent judging, including a series of mystery visits to help determine the winners.

Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire finalists will come together at the Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards Ceremony on 10 March at Crowne Plaza Nottingham, when the winners will be announced.

Gold winners in eligible categories will have the opportunity to represent the East Midlands at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, competing for some of the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, managing director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to reveal the shortlist for the Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards – Derbyshire and to celebrate the exceptional businesses, experiences and individuals who continue to make Derbyshire such a fantastic place to visit.

“The response to this year’s awards demonstrates the strength and ambition of our visitor economy.

“From accommodation providers and attractions to food and drink businesses and unique visitor experiences, our finalists represent the quality, innovation and commitment that can be found right across Derbyshire.

“The Visit East Midlands Tourism Awards provide an exciting opportunity to build on the success of our previous destination awards while giving Derbyshire businesses an even stronger regional platform.

“We look forward to celebrating all our finalists and recognising their achievements at the awards ceremony next year.”

To view the full shortlist, click here.