East of England Tourism Awards celebrate local businesses

Shortlisted finalists will be invited to our glittering awards ceremony in February 2024, so be sure to get your entries in so that your business, or your favourite local attraction or establishment, can be in with a chance of winning.

This week, we find out what the judges will be looking for in the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism, sponsored by Swiss Camplings, and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, sponsored by Howes Percival, categories.

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism
Richard Turvill, managing director, Swiss Camplings

Richard Turvill, managing director, Swiss Camplings (Image: Swiss Camplings)

Why were you keen to get involved in the Tourism Awards?

We have sponsored the Tourism Awards for a number of years. We believe it is the service that makes the difference for our customers and would like to believe this 
ethos is shared by our business partners.

We previously sponsored other categories, but feel the Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism award for 2023-2024 is a great fit with our business as we strive to be all these within our industry of laundry.

What do you bring to the judging process?

Our business has over 100 years’ experience working with the hospitality industry, with a keen eye for detail. I have a very objective approach to my judging and ensure that all of the applicants get a fair appraisal for their efforts.

What have your previous experiences of judging been like?

Our previous experience with a different award category showed that we have had some very close contenders, but it was the small details and truly innovative customers excellence ideas which guided us to a winner. 

It has been a privilege to meet so many local and talented suppliers who have been nominated for providing a great service. The nomination is equally rewarding, but to stand out in this category is a true testament to hard work and consideration.

What will it take to wow you?

We’re looking for those who have shown great aptitude in creating, developing and then operating their hospitality business with an ethical, responsible and sustainable mind set. The economy and hospitality industry has faced considerable challenges of late, but we’re looking for those new businesses that have built something special for their customers and demonstrated real passion in how they execute their proposition.

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Joanna Nicholls, partner, Howes Percival

Joanna Nicholls, partner, Howes Percival (Image: Howes Percival)

Can you tell us a bit about your involvement in the tourism industry?

Leisure and tourism sector clients have been a valued part of our business for many years. We have a team who service the sector, which I head up, which includes a number of members with different legal specialisms pertinent to the sector.

Why were you keen to get involved in the East of England Tourism Awards?
Many of our clients operate in the tourism sector and we are keen to support them by championing the industry and showcasing the East of England as a fantastic destination to visit.

The Large Visitor Attraction of the Year will be a business attracting 75,000 or more visitors a year with an outstanding experience (Image: Getty Images)

What do you bring to the judging process?

I have a wealth of experience working with a wide range of clients which operate in the tourism sector. I therefore have a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities that businesses face.

Do you have any anecdotes of tourism businesses who have blown you away over the last couple of years?

We were really impressed by all of the finalists from last year’s Tourism Awards, and all that had been achieved by businesses across the region in those 12 months.

Entries and nominations in the East of England Tourism Awards can be submitted any time before the deadline on September 17, 2023. Please visit tourismawards.co.uk for more information.

To find out more about the categories, please click here.