Despite tourism and hospitality businesses in Liverpool city region enduring their worst trading period in living memory, the 2020 awards will go ahead and the shortlist has been revealed. Tony McDonough reports

This year’s Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards will go ahead in November despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Tourism and hospitality businesses across the city region are enduring their worst trading period in living memory due to lockdown and restrictions with many facing a fight for survival.

However, organisers Growth Platform, supported by the Visitor Economy Board, are determined to celebrate the resilience of the city region visitor economy which, prior to the pandemic, was worth more than £5bn a year.

Taking place on Tuesday, November 10, and being streamed via YouTube, the evening will cover 17 award categories across the whole industry from Tourism Experience of the Year to Pub of the Year. Other categories include Tourism Star of the Year and an award for Outstanding Contribution.

Click here to see the full shortlist

This year’s new headline sponsor is National Museums Liverpool, with MSP Global providing all the technical support. Other sponsors include Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Hotel Indigo, Merseyrail, Expedia, Marketing Liverpool, Ticket Quarter and Wirral Chamber. Hospitality in Action is this year’s charity partner.

Now in its third decade, the awards were due to take place at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral back in May. They have traditionally always recognised excellence across the city region’s tourism and hospitality industry – and now this year will be no different as the judges decide their winners from the shortlist.

Peter Sandman, head of visitor economy for Growth Platform – Liverpool City Region Growth Company, said: “Although these awards will look and feel very different this year, we are delighted they are able to take place.

“For 2020 especially, it is vital that we acknowledge and congratulate not just the winners but the sector right across the region. During this unprecedented time we need to show support, solidarity and strength – and these awards are the perfect platform to come together and celebrate as a tourism community.”

Laura Pye, Director of National Museums Liverpool, added: “While the pandemic has had a devastating impact on the tourism industry, it has made us truly appreciate the value of attractions and experiences and not take for granted simple pleasures like going out for a meal or a few drinks.

“These awards are a chance to shine a light on the sector and celebrate the city’s world-famous hospitality while reminding the people of Liverpool what’s on their doorstep.”