Bournemouth’s tourism and leisure industries have been recognised for their achievements at a glitzy awards ceremony held at Bournemouth Pavilion on Friday 27th February – with a host of worthy winners receiving this year’s coveted trophies. Organised by Bournemouth Tourism on behalf of the Bournemouth Tourism Management Board (BTMB) the “Endless Summer” inspired evening, now it its ninth year, celebrated the very best in the tourism-related businesses that contribute to Bournemouth’s status as the UK’s best coastal resort.
The ceremony, compèred by Heart South Coast Breakfast presenter Rich Clarke, saw eleven awards given to winners in key sectors of the industry. These included the Bournemouth Chamber of Commerce sponsored Transport Delivery Award won by joint winners Mike Saul of Yellow Buses and Tim Sanders of Discover Dorset, and the Unsung Hero Award presented to David Bailey, Hotel Director of the Miramar. Upon receiving the award, David was met with a standing ovation from the guests. He said: “I’m very proud and humbled to have been awarded the Unsung Hero Award. It was a real surprise, and I’m very pleased to have received the award especially because it was voted for by other people within the tourism industry.”
David’s award was presented by Des Simmons, Chair of BTMB and MD of Bournecoast Holiday Agents. Des said: “David was a very deserving winner of this prestigious award; for over 25 years he has dedicated his time to the development of a family business in the town, leading the Hotel Miramar to achieve four star status, whilst being an active Committee/Board member of the Chamber of Trade, the Bournemouth Accommodation and Hotel Association and the Coastal BID (Business Improvement District).”
He then added, “We are lucky to have many business people in the town who have contributed in a similar vein; however David has then gone the extra mile. He is a very popular character who is always willing to help, but is also confident enough to be that critical friend when required. I was very proud to be able to recognise David on the night and present the award to him.”
Des also commented on the success of the evening, saying, “We really got it right this year. I only heard positive feedback on the night and believe we have a format for the Awards which will mean businesses will be booking their tickets for next year’s event as soon as they are released.”
The Connaught Hotel took home the award of Large Hotel Experience, sponsored by Quantum Recruitment.
The accolade of Small Hotel Experience, sponsored by Goadsby, was presented to The Balincourt Guest House.
The Coles Miller sponsored award of Specialist Dining Experience went to Longhorn Burgers Ltd.
World Cuisine Experience, sponsored by Bostico International, was awarded to La Piccola Italia Ristorante.
The title of Family Eating Experience, sponsored by Media Wises Sites Ltd, was presented to Aruba Restaurant & Bar. The Westover Group sponsored award of Great Time Out went to RockReef and the PierZip wire.
Great Night Out, sponsored by Matthew Clark, was awarded to 1812 Lounge Bar and Restaurant and Bar So. The National Coastal Tourism Academy award of Creative Concept of the Year was awarded to the “Gardens of Light” spectacle, organised by the Town Centre BID. The Education Sector Award was presented to the White House Guardianship. Tourism Portfolio Holder, Councillor Lawrence Williams, said, “The evening proved to be a huge success once again. It was a pleasure to see the stars of Bournemouth’s tourism industry rewarded for their efforts across each of the different services.” Guests were treated to an array of lavish cocktails provided by 1812 Lounge Bar and Restaurant, whilst beautiful table displays were supplied by decoration sponsor, Simply Flower. Sorted Surf Shop provided summer-themed props and decorations, whilst floral displays were supplied by Glenacres Nursery. The event’s media partners Heart FM and the Daily Echo assisted with coverage for the ceremony.
