A north-south divide in tourist awards battle (From Southend Standard)

A north-south divide in tourist awards battle

7:00am Friday 14th August 2009 in Southend By Adam Barrett

Southend's Adventure Island is up for an award as the county's best tourist attraction

IT’S north versus south as the county’s first tourism awards are launched.

The Essex Tourism Awards 2009 are being run by Essex County Council to recognise and reward the best the county has to offer to visitors.

There are 12 shortlisted categories which cover a huge range of attractions and accommodations, including Adventure island in Southend and Colchester Zoo.

Other attractions in the running include Rayleigh Windmill and the Southend Marine Activities Centre, with the Layer Marney Tower in the running for the best small attraction gong.

Adventure Island is pitted against Colchester Zoo and Audley End House and Gardens for best large attraction.

Mike Pressling, marketing consultant for the amusement park, said: “Many people know Adventure Island as the number one attraction in the UK. It is not just about winning, but is about gaining official recognition.

“Since Easter and apart from July, the year has been very busy because of the good weather which has been better than last year. People are also spending more time and money in the UK because of the economy.”

Colchester Zoo is also nominated for the sustainable tourism award. Spokesman Steph Kaye said: “The nominations are a great tribute to the hard-working staff at Colchester Zoo, as well as the vital conservation work the zoo is involved with.”

The awards aim to encourage people to experience what the county has to offer and feature a range of categories from the best hotels to the best tourism experience, for which Rayleigh Windmill is nominated.

The windmill celebrates its 200th anniversary next month. Rochford Council’s Head of Community Services, Jeremy Bourne, said the shortlisting recognised the council’s efforts to market the Windmill as a tourist destination.

The awards winners will be announced at a black tie dinner and dance at the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff, on Thursday, September 10.