Shakespeare North Playhouse has been shortlisted in two categories for The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards, a celebration of the region’s thriving tourism and hospitality sector.
An expert judging panel whittled down a record number of entries across 19 categories into the shortlist. The number and quality of entries reflects the continued growth of the city region’s tourism industry.
The finalists will now go forward to a glittering awards ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday 27 February 2025.
Organised by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and supported by the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), the prestigious awards highlight the best of tourism and hospitality across the city region.
This year’s 19 categories include awards for accommodation providers, attractions, food and drink venues and new tourism businesses. New for this year are the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism award and the International Tourism award.
Shakespeare North Playhouse has been shortlisted for Entertainment Venue of the Year while Bridget Mulroy has been shortlisted for the Unsung Hero Award.
Antonio’s Bar & Grill in Knowsley Village has been nominated for the Taste of Liverpool Award – Restaurant of the Year.
Fourteen of the winners will then go forward to the Visit England Awards for Excellence in June 2025.
Cllr Mike Wharton, Cabinet Member for Business, Investment and Trade said: “Once again, we are delighted to have received so many entries for the Tourism Awards this year. With tourism now worth over £6bn to the Liverpool City Region these awards are a celebration of our city region’s thriving tourism industry and its enormous contribution to our economy. Year on year the support for the awards continues to grow as businesses recognise the value of being involved. In particular it is pleasing to see support for the two new categories – Accessible & Inclusive Tourism and the International Tourism Award. Special thanks go to our experienced panel of judges who have had a difficult job in shortlisting this year as the quality of entries have been so high.”
More than 60m people visited the city region in 2023, generating over £6bn for the local economy.
Bill Addy, Chief Executive at Liverpool BID Company and Headline Sponsor, said: “As we prepare to gather together again to celebrate those working in our tourism industry and visitor economy it is a moment to think about how important these businesses, individuals and events are to our city region economy. It is not just jobs but experiences, welcomes, visits, special days out and cultural moments. Tourism is a vital ingredient in the business of the Liverpool City Region and its importance is something we just both celebrate and innovate to keep ourselves ahead of the game in such a competitive field.”
The ‘Liverpool City Region Hidden Gem’ category will also be back for 2024 and sponsored by The Guide Liverpool. This category will be voted for by the public and will recognise the region’s ‘best kept secret’. Hidden Gems could be attractions, bars, restaurants, tours, or natural assets which are off the main tourism trail.
By nominating a ‘Hidden Gem,’ they could be catapulted into the Tourism Awards spotlight. Please click here to nominate your Hidden Gem.