Applications now open for Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2024

Applications are now officially open for the highly anticipated Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2024, and this year there’s two exciting new categories for businesses to compete in.

The LCR Tourism Awards will take place at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday, 27 February 2025, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the region’s tourism industry.

The 19 categories cover all aspects of the visitor economy including accommodation, hospitality, attractions and tours. The two new categories for 2024 are the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, and the International Tourism Award.

Both these categories, along with thirteen others are carried by VisitEngland which means winners of these categories will go forward to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2025. 

Tony Hall CBE, Lord Hall of Birkenhead and Chair of the recently established Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), said:

“I am delighted to support this year’s Tourism Awards, in my first year of Chair of the LVEP. Tourism is the lifeblood of the economy across the Liverpool City Region and it’s important that we take time to recognise and celebrate our diverse and dynamic offer to visitors and shine the spotlight on the fantastic businesses and people that make up the sector.

“We have seen great success coming out of these awards at a national level and once again we were delighted to have two of our winners represented at the national Visit England Awards for Excellence in June 2024. I would encourage businesses to be part of what our fantastic visitor economy has to offer.”

In 2023 there were over 55 million visitors to the city region, generating over £5bn for the local economy. Figures for 2024 will be published soon. 

Councillor Mike Wharton, Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade, said:

“Figures show just how important tourism is to the Liverpool City Region and these awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise the incredible work that is achieved in the sector and celebrate our unique and diverse tourism offering. I would urge as many businesses as possible to get involved and enter this year’s awards.”

Katie Bentley, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications at Liverpool BID Company and returning headline sponsor for the fourth year, said: 

“After what has been an incredible year, we are delighted to be able to offer our continued support for the annual awards, showcasing the very best in what is a world-famous tourism industry. We often say that the tourism industry showcases the very best Liverpool City Region has to offer; a warm welcome, a passion for the city and a determination to always strive further. We are excited to see the entries and wish everyone the very best of luck!”

Along with headline sponsor, Liverpool BID Company, also confirmed as associate sponsor is Liverpool ONE with category sponsors ACC Liverpool, Bolland & Lowe, BDO LLP, Kimpton, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Football Club, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, London Northwestern Railway, Merseyrail, PIB Insurance, The Guide Liverpool, The Metro, Ticket Quarter, Virgin Experience Days and Wild Thang.

Applications are now open until Thursday 19 September 2024 and all tourism related businesses based in the Liverpool City Region are invited to apply here.

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