Shakespeare Country celebrates region’s award winners

Shakespeare Country celebrated the region’s award winners at a special event held on Thursday 22 January at the Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa and Golf Club. Around 30 businesses attended 'The Best of Shakespeare Country' event which was organised to congratulate all the businesses on their award wins over the past two years. A number of local and regional media also attended the celebratory event.

Attendees included winners from award schemes such as the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards, AA Hotel Group of the Year, the Coventry & Warwickshire Food & Drink Awards, the coveted Michelin Star Awards, the Condé Nast Johansens International Awards for Excellence, the Lloyds TSB Godiva Awards and the Quality at Heart awards scheme.

Businesses including The Welcombe Hotel Spa and Golf Club, Q Hotels, Woodside Conference Centre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Heritage Motor Centre, Coombe Abbey, The Granville @ Barford, The Peacock, CandiTV, The Falstaff’s Experience and Guiding You Ltd enjoyed an evening mixing with representatives from Shakespeare Country and The Welcombe Hotel.

Short presentations were given by Brian Summers Chairman of Tourism West Midlands, Sally Carrick, Chair of Shakespeare Country and Phil Hackett, Chief Executive of Shakespeare Country.

Shakespeare Country were also celebrating their own award wins having won ‘Destination Website of the Year’ & ‘Website of the Year’ at the 2008 Regional Excellence in Tourism Awards; ‘Best Innovative Product’ at the 2008 Regional ICT Excellence Awards and ‘Project Excellence & Flagship Innovation Medal’ at the 2008 BCS National Industry Awards for their 24 hour CandiTV TIC Screen.

Shakespeare Country was also awarded ‘Best Tourism Experience’ Silver for their Podcasts and ‘Best Tourist Information Service’ Silver for their Tourist Information Centre in Stratford-upon-Avon at the 2007 Regional Excellence Awards.

In addition to hosting the event, Shakespeare Country will be promoting the winners and highly commended businesses on a special ‘Best of Shakespeare Country’ feature on its award-winning website.

Phil Hackett, Chief Executive of Shakespeare Country stated “We are immensely proud that so many local businesses have achieved success in both national and regional awards. It was an honour to celebrate with them at our special ‘Best of Shakespeare Country’ event. All our winners are instrumental in delivering a truly high quality experience for our visitors and ensuring that Shakespeare Country continues to be a great place to visit”.

For theatre and attraction tickets, accommodation, brochures, special offers and more information visit the official website: shakespeare-country.co.uk