Companies and organisations across Greater Manchester have been honoured in the region’s own Oscar ceremony for a “phenomenal” year of tourism which generated hundreds of millions of pounds .
A gala evening at the Palace Hotel, Manchester, celebrated the achievement with the presentation of the 1997 Greater Manchester Business Through Tourism Awards. Now in their fourth year, the awards – organised by Marketing Manchester – recognise, promote and reward business generation through tourism across the region.
Dr Patrick Greene, chairman of the Marketing Manchester Visitor and Convention Bureau, estimates tourism business from visitors staying overnight is currently worth £435 million. He says tourism is growing right across Greater Manchester and the awards recognise the achievements of those individuals and organisations who have made this happen.
Speaking at the awards ceremony on October 15, Sir David Trippier, chairman of Marketing Manchester, said: “It has been a phenomenal year for tourism across Greater Manchester and we are looking forward to an even more exciting 1998.”
Virgin Trains sponsored the National Award presented to Music Live 97 – the joint Manchester City Council/BBC event which showcased Manchester’s music nation-wide, attracting both visitors and media attention and appealing to a wide spectrum of age groups and tastes. Granada Studios was highly commended for its innovative educational packages.
The Local and Regional Award, sponsored by Manchester Training and Enterprise Council, was won by Tatton Park for its Hallé Fireworks and Light Spectacular. Highly commended were Rusholme Traders Association and the East Lancashire Railway.
Aspect International won the International Award (sponsored by Manchester Airport) for its work with the 44th World Table Tennis Championships. As official destination management company for the championships, Aspect brought business from 105 countries to Manchester during the event. It has also set up a new Manchester office to handle forthcoming projects. Presenting the award, Councillor Roy Oldham, chairman of Manchester Airport, said: “Aspect succeeded in bringing visitors from all over the globe into Manchester, providing an ideal opportunity to showcase the city both as a destination and a gateway. “The number of countries involved is significant and generated business for hotels, restaurants and other attractions across Greater Manchester.”
Manchester City Council received the Enterprise Award (sponsored by British Airways) for the Bellway Manchester Ice Rink. Mainestream Events and Hospitality at Manchester City Football Club was highly commended.
The Outstanding Contribution Award, sponsored by the Manchester Evening News was presented to Greater Manchester’s six soccer teams in recognition of their league-topping performances earlier this year. Manchester’s music industry was recognised in the Image Award, sponsored by the Visitor and Convention Bureau – the tourism division of Marketing Manchester.
A special award was made to the Bridgewater Hall in recognition of its significant impact in the first year of operation
For further information, please contact Emma Leech at Marketing Manchester,
56 Oxford Street, Manchester, M1 6EU.
Tel: 0161-237 1010, Fax: 0161-228 2960,
E-mail: mm@marketing-manchester.co.uk
What the sponsors said:
National Award
“Fifty per cent of the population knew that Music Live was happening in Manchester and additional revenue generated for the city is estimated at £1 million.” Joanne Want, Virgin Trains business manager, Manchester area
Image Award
“The success of bands like Simply Red, Oasis, M People and the Verve has had, and continues to have, a massive effect on both tourism and on Manchester’s reputation as a whole.” Dr Patrick Greene, chairman of the Marketing Manchester
Visitor and Convention Bureau Outstanding Contribution Award
“Sport and tourism are intrinsically linked and this award recognises the importance of football in particular in attracting business into Greater Manchester.” Mark Dodson, deputy managing director of the Manchester Evening News