County tourism ventures win national awards (From York Press)

County tourism ventures win national awards

9:02am Thursday 31st May 2012 in Harrogate and Ripon news

NORTH Yorkshire tourism businesses have won awards in five categories at the VisitEngland Awards.

Rudding Park, near Harrogate, won the Silver Award for Large Hotel Of The Year.

Peter Banks, managing director, said the accolade was a testament to the continual development it has undergone over the last 20 years.

He said: “Receiving a Silver Award is proof we have successfully pushed the boundaries in service and design.

“The investment of our 48-bedroom extension, spa, 14-seat private cinema and recruitment of our new guest services team means Rudding Park provides guests with an experience that is equivalent if not better than some of the most well-known hotels in British hospitality.”

Another Harrogate business, ethical food shop Fodder, was awarded the Gold Taste Of England Award.

Fodder reinvests all of its profits back into the rural community, sourcing 85 per cent of its food from Yorkshire and the Humber, and supporting more than 250 local producers and farmers.

Harrogate Tourist Information Centre took home a Bronze Award, and Swinton Park, near Masham, was highly commended for Small Hotel Of The Year.

Rebecca and David Palmer-Bunting, the owners of Robin Hood Caravan and Camping Park in Slingsby, near Malton, were also highly commended for the Outstanding Customer Service Award.