Norfolk’s tourism heroes are celebrated

The EDP Visit Norfolk Tourism Awards put the spotlight on deserving businesses and individuals across the county at a black tie event.

Winners of the 15 categories were announced at the exciting new venue, Potters Resort in Hopton, tonight.

Bob Crawley, Archant's director of content, said: 'The EDP Visit Norfolk Tourism Awards is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this booming industry.

'It casts into the spotlight our great businesses and organisations who fly the flag for our wonderful county in which we live.

'Everyone nominated should be proud of their achievements – it is your hard work which puts Norfolk on the map as a holiday hotspot.'

Guests began the evening with a drinks reception, sponsored by Paul Robinson Partnership, followed by dinner and the presentation of the awards.

The event's most coveted prize, the Outstanding Achievement award sponsored by Hoseasons, went to a woman who works tirelessly for the tourism cause. Aileen Mobbs runs Great Yarmouth's seafront Imperial Hotel and plays a leading part in the tourism life of Norfolk's biggest resort as chairman of the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival.

Together with her husband, their tireless efforts and consistent

investment has taken their coastal business from two star to the only four star property in the borough.

Mrs Mobbs has been involved with the maritime festival since it started,

and has seen it grow and flourish to the point where it attracts more

than 30,000 visitors over the weekend.

It has now become a September highlight on Norfolk's tourism calendar and has blazed the trail for other resorts in the region, illustrating how to maximise trade during the shoulder seasons.

Katie Hanger, brand manager at Hoseasons, praised the work of Mrs Mobbs.

She said: 'This person isn't simply focused on their own business as they play a very active role in the local tourism scene.

'She is undoubtedly one of Great Yarmouth's leading business and tourism figures.'