The Department of Economic Development is pleased to announce the finalists and winners of the 2011 Tourism Awards. The Awards were presented at the sixth annual Awards Ceremony which took place yesterday, Wednesday 30th November, at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club. The accolades recognise the outstanding customer service and dedication provided by individuals who make a significant commitment to both quality and service in the Isle of Man tourism industry. The Department received nominations from visitors and residents who were asked to feedback on tourism organisations that provided an enjoyable and reliable holiday experience. The judging panel consisted of Gary Roberts, Deputy Chief Constable, Isle of Man Police, Peter Whittaker, Heron and Brearley and Tony Palmer, Three FM. The criteria used for judging were in line with the tourism strategy and vision for the future of the Island’s visitor economy. The Awards were presented by Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, Department of Economic Development Member with responsibility for Tourism. He said: ‘The Awards celebrate the very best of the Isle of Man’s tourism industry as we all join together to constantly drive up standards. All of our finalists here with us today are winners and I congratulate their enthusiasm and the confidence they have in the future of tourism. ‘I would also like to extend my thanks to our three judges, Gary Roberts, Peter Whittaker and Tony Palmer, each of whom had the difficult task of selecting the winners.’ The guest speaker at the event was Gary Roberts. He said: ‘It has been a great pleasure to chair the judging of the tourism awards for the second year. At a time when there often appears to be precious little good news in the world, the individual effort, the commitment to quality and the positive, caring attitude of so many people in the tourism industry stood out.’ He went on to say: ‘In every category we saw great examples of people who offer something special to visitors. All of those nominated today deserve great praise for the part they are playing in helping to sustain and develop the tourist industry. This is truly a good news story.’ The finalists and winners in each of the nine categories are as follows: Best Hotel: The Welbeck, Douglas The Sefton, Douglas The Chesterhouse, Douglas Winner: The Chesterhouse Best Guest Accommodation Ballahane House, Port St Mary Croit-ny-Bane Farmhouse, Andreas Beachcroft Guest House, Port St Mary Winner: Croit-ny-Bane Farmhouse Best Self-Catering Accommodation Beach Cottage, Maughold Ben-My-Chree Cottage, Peel Groudle Glen Cottages, Onchan Winner: Beach Cottage Attraction of the Year Manx Museum IOM Trike Tours The Isle of Man Steam Railway and Castle Rushen partnership Winner: IOM Trike Tours Best Campsite and Hostel Peel Campsite Cronk Aashen Lower Ballacottier Winner: Lower Ballacottier Best Eating Out Experience Jak’s Steakhouse Harbour Lights Savoy Hotel Winner: Harbour Lights Best Customer Service Isle of Man Cycle Hire IOM Trike Tours Isle of Man Transport Winner: Isle of Man Cycle Hire Best Town or Village Peel Castletown Laxey Winner: Laxey Event of the Year End 2 End Mountain Bike Race Parish Walk Walking Festival Winner: Walking Festival The Department of Economic Development wishes to extend their gratitude to all businesses throughout the Island who have provided excellent customer quality and service to visitors. Ends