All About Manchester

The magnificent 15

Another year, another opportunity for the cream of local tourist venues to shine at the Manchester Tourism Awards. Organised by Marketing Manchester, the agency charged with promoting the city-region on a national and international stage, this year's awards were announced in a lavish ceremony at Manchester Central last month. Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, salutes the winners.

Sustainable Tourism Award: The Palace Hotel

One of Manchester's most recognisable hotels...and now one of its greenest. The team at The Palace Hotel have gone above and beyond the standard our industry sets itself. They are an example to us all.

Tourism Restaurant of the Year: Nutters Restaurant

A great combination of traditional Northern hospitality, the very finest of produce and an amazing setting, Nutters is a worthy winner.

I Love Manchester: The Frog and Bucket

Without doubt one of the jewels in the Northern Quarter's crown. What the Brit School does for music, the Frog and Bucket does for comedy.

Business Tourism Award: Manchester United

Premier league in more than just football, Manchester United is a great ambassador for the city - in the Far East in particular.

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Manchester Art Gallery

Attracting truly global exhibitions, Manchester Art Gallery is one of the jewels in the city's crown. A must for any visitor to the city.

Large Hotel of the Year: Marriott Worsley Park Hotel & Country Club

A deserved winner, the Marriott Worsley Park boasts a pristine appearance and consistently high level of customer service.

Small Hotel/Bed & Breakfast of the Year: Moss Lodge

A great example of what makes smaller hotels so special. A country house atmosphere with the benefit of a location so close to Rochdale and Manchester.

Tourism Website of the Year: MoSI (The Museum of Science & Industry)

Bright, light and easy to navigate, MoSI's investment in their website has proved a big hit with visitors. The imagery is clean and crisp and a major feature of the site.

Outstanding Customer Service: Madge Butler

An example to people working in customer service everywhere, Madge is a Manchester champion. Living, as we do, in a world where people complain far more than they praise, Madge's enthusiasm for good service has clearly hit the mark with visitors to the city. Working at the airport, Madge has probably welcomed and waved goodbye to more visitors to the city than most!

Tourism Retailer of the Year: The Trafford Centre

An exceptional retail offering within a first-class facility, The Trafford Centre provides a great Manchester day out. The development of The Great Hall and Barton Square will see The Trafford Centre go from strength to strength.

Self Catering/Serviced Accommodation Award: Staying Cool

An example of doing exactly what it says on the tin, Staying Cool offers stylish accommodation in some of Manchester's most exclusive and striking apartment buildings.

Taste of Manchester Award: Isinglass Restaurant

A champion of local produce and customer service, Isinglass is Manchester on a plate. Their investment in the development of staff, in particular their young chefs, has shown a commitment to continuing this approach for years to come.

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: Smithills Hall

One of the city-region's gems, Smithills Hall captures the essence of a perfect Sunday afternoon…on any day of the week.

Tourism Experience of the Year: Manchester International Festival

It's quite appropriate that the first Manchester International Festival came out top in this category, being the only festival in the world to be made up of original, new work.

Tourism Bar of the Year: Cloud 23, Hilton Manchester Deansgate

Cloud 23 has certainly made its mark on Manchester's bar scene. The mix of style and amazing views it offers made it a natural winner.

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