Celebrations for York's tourism industry

Now in their 14th year, the annual tourism awards, hosted by Visit York, saw the highly-prized York Tourism Ambassador go to Ivan Martin and the Association of Voluntary Guides.

The organisation scooped the prize in recognition of its "brilliant army of volunteers" and its work in showcasing the city to more than 700,000 each year. Last year saw Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu take the prize.

Gillian Cruddas MBE, chief executive of Visit York, said: "We're thrilled that the Tourism Ambassador title has gone to Ivan Martin and the Association of Voluntary Guides.

"York has an army of brilliant tourism volunteers who do the city proud and we're particularly delighted to be awarding this honour in the sixtieth anniversary year of the Association. "My congratulations also go to all our winners for the excellent job they do in ensuring York's continued tourism success."

The award is timely with the Volunteers celebrating 60 years since they were formally presented to the Festival of Britain.

Back then the organisation was run through York Council, but now has an elected committee of volunteers and enjoys the support Visit York, the city's official tourism body and organisers of last night's event.

John Yeomans, chairman of Visit York, said: "For 60 years volunteers from the City of York have shared the love of our City with our visitors every day except Christmas day in all weathers and totally free of charge. "York has an army of brilliant tourism volunteers who do the city proud and Ivan and all volunteers with the association have been committed to carrying on this tradition for sixty years. "In this important anniversary year of the association we are delighted to honour this achievement."

Ivan Martin, aged 68, chairman of the volunteers was praised for his "unsurpassed knowledge of the city".

Barrie Ferguson, training officer for the Volunteers, said: "We are delighted that Ivan and the Association of Voluntary guides have been given this honour. "Ivan's sheer organisational skills and unsurpassed knowledge of the city make him a truly fitting Tourism Ambassador forYorkand all our volunteers are truly committed to promoting the delights ofYork.

"Ivan is so polite and good at dealing with people, nothing fazes him and everyone looks to him for advice and for knowledge. He is fully committed to carrying on the traditions of voluntary guiding in York."

Last night's black-tie event was sponsored by many of York and Yorkshire's leading businesses, celebrated individuals and companies noted for their excellence in York's tourism industry.

The Winners

Hotel of the Year, sponsored by Yorkshire Laundry Services.

Winner:

The Cedar Court Grand Hotel & Spa

Highly Commended:

Middlethorpe Hall & Spa

Guest Accommodation of the Year, sponsored by NVG.

Winner:

Low Penhowe

Highly Commended:

Carlton House

Self Catering/Caravan Park of the Year, sponsored by York Hogroast.

Winner:

The Riverside York

Pub of the Year, sponsored by Deans Computer Services.

Joint Winners:

The Black Swan Inn and the House of the Trembling Madness

Taste of York Award, sponsored by Morrell Middleton.

Winner:

Melton’s Restaurant

York & Scarborough Business Tourism Award, sponsored by Saville Audio Visual

Winner:

Raven Hall Hotel, Ravenscar

Visitor Attraction of the Year (under 50,000 visitors), sponsored by Continuum.

Winner:

Yorkshire Lavender

Highly Commended:

Complete Yorkshire

Visitor Attraction of the Year (50,000 visitors and over), sponsored by FR Fowler and Son

Winner:

Yorkshire Museum

Highly Commended:

York Racecourse 2010 Race Season

Outstanding Customer Service Award, sponsored by Pindar

Winner:

Hotel Chocolat

Employee of the Year, sponsored by welcometraining.com

Winner:

James Borrow, Xing Smoothies

Marketing Campaign, Sponsored by Leeds Bradford International Airport

Winner:

York Theatre Royal, for the Wind in the Willows

My York Favourite - the People’s Choice Award

Winner:

York Maze