Blenheim Palace Shortlisted For Top Tourism Award
Blenheim Palace has been shortlisted for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
The Oxford UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of three finalists in the International Tourism Award, which will be livestreamed via YouTube on 17th August.
The Award recognises tourism businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences, particularly for international visitors, and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
The other finalists are the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln and The Roman Baths & Pump Room in Bath.
“We are delighted to have reached the final of such a prestigious, national awards scheme which recognises best practice across the tourism industry,” said Emily Hirons, Head of Visitor Services.
“Obviously international tourism has taken a huge hit as a result of the coronavirus but we remain ready and willing to welcome visitors from across the world to ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’ when it is safe to do so,” she added.
All finalists from the core 15 categories qualified for the national competition by winning their regional competitions and will be awarded either a Bronze, Silver or Gold award at the virtual ceremony.
“These awards celebrate businesses and individuals in tourism across England who have exceeded expectations and delivered excellence during the last 18 months and it is fantastic to see such an outstanding list of finalists,” said VisitEngland Chief Executive Sally Balcombe.
“The impressive list reflects the sheer scale of innovation, quality and experiences across our tourism landscape and I congratulate all the finalists and wish them the very best of luck.
“Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism and this year’s awards are also a timely opportunity to acknowledge the determination and dedication of tourism businesses across the country who have worked extremely hard to reopen and welcome visitors back safely,” she said.
Now re-opened to visitors, Blenheim Palace, Park and Gardens recently received the official VisitBritain’s ‘We’re Good to Go’ mark demonstrating they have followed government covid19 guidance and have processes in place to maintain cleanliness and observe social distancing guidelines.
Blenheim Palace has also unveiled a series of new family-friendly outdoor events and activities including bubble shows, stilt walkers, bug trails, mini golf and theatrical performances taking place throughout the summer.
