THE travel and tourism industry in Essex is worth an astounding £3 billion – and with Chelmsford's recent rise to city status and new flight routes to and from Stansted and Southend Airports, that figure is only set to rise.
To celebrate the work of those who contribute to this important aspect of the county's economy, the Essex Chronicle, in conjunction with Visit Essex, is launching the Tourism and Hospitality Awards 2013.
The awards aim to recognise the best of the county's tourism and hospitality businesses and the talented and driven individuals behind them.
Finalists from each category – along with their guests – will be able to celebrate their achievements at a glittering awards ceremony at Boreham House, Chelmsford, on October 23.
There, they will meet sponsors, local dignitaries and tourism experts.
Winners of the tourism categories will go forward to represent Essex in the national 2014 Visit England Awards for Excellence.
Awards categories include: Essex Attraction of the Year; Essex Hospitality Venue of the Year; Customer Service of the Year; Chef of the Year; Young Chef of the Year; Restaurant of the Year; Outstanding Contribution to Essex Hospitality; and Outstanding Contribution to Essex Tourism.
Current sponsors include the likes of Kingston Smith, Anglia Produce, Colchester Institute and Knight Meats.
However, there are several more sponsorship opportunities available to companies associated with the tourism industry.
These can be tailored to suit individual requirements and are suitable for any business owner who would like to benefit from building relationships and contacts with other experts within this specialist sector.
Interested parties should contact awards organiser Anne Pocock on 01245 400878, or e-mail anne@apteventspro.co.uk
The awards website will go live on March 22 where you can enter your business online.
In the meantime anyone interested in entering the awards can register now at www.thisistotalessex.co.uk/tourismawards
