Tourism operators facing challenge (From Gazette & Herald)

Tourism operators facing challenge

THE Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB) has challenged tourism operators by asking ''Have you got what it takes to be the best of the best in the region's tourism industry?" as it kicks off the season with the official launch of the White Rose Awards 2006.

Operators have until May 26, 2006 to enter their establishment for the awards, which are designed to recognise excellence in tourism, the largest and fastest growing industry in the region.

The White Rose Awards, run in association with the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, are now in their 17th year and highly successful in generating backing from the business sector, which year-on-year joins with the tourism industry to celebrate the best of the best in Yorkshire's tourism.

David Andrews, the chief executive of YTB, said: "Tourism is a highly competitive industry and customer expectations are getting higher and higher. It is imperative that our tourism operators continually improve the quality of their tourism product to ensure that the region can effectively compete in this global market.

"If tourism operators have what it takes to be the best then they need to enter the awards and be a part of this great celebration of excellence in tourism. Our winners enjoy the media attention the White Rose Awards bring to their business and the kudos the 'winners' marque brings".

There are 15 categories of award, including Hotel of the Year, Visitor Attraction of the Year, Self-Catering Holiday of the Year, Caravan Park of the Year, Tourist Information Centre of the Year, Tourism Website of the Year, Outstanding Customer Service Award, Business Tourism Award, and Yorkshire Pub of the Year.

Full details of how to enter can be found at www.yorkshiretouristboard.net.

Updated: 15:45 Wednesday, April 12, 2006