Stephen Roberts, general manager of the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool, was one of 17 winners at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards. Tony McDonough reports

 

One of the best known figures in Liverpool’s tourism sector has been honoured for his two decades of work in the city at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.

For the first time the awards took place online due to COVID-19 restrictions. And it didn’t stop the event being a celebration of the resilience of the tourism and hospitality sectors in what are the toughest economic conditions in a generation.

Since it opened 20 years ago, Stephen Roberts has been general manager of the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Liverpool city centre and during that time he has also been a fantastic ambassador for the visitor economy.

Stephen retires from his role later this month and his award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism recognises the pivotal role he has played in Liverpool economic renaissance in the past two decades.

As well as his role at the Crowne Plaza on the waterfront, Stephen has served on the Visitor Economy Board and the Employment and Skills Board and has been a huge supporter of Visitor Economy Week, encouraging young people to consider tourism and hospitality as a career choice.

In all, 17 awards were handed out during the ceremony which was hosted by Jay Hynd from The Guide Liverpool and streamed live on YouTube. Headline sponsor was National Museums Liverpool.

Double winner this year was Mere Brook House which won B&B/Guest Accommodation of the Year and the award for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable tourism. Other winners included Knowsley Safari for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa for Hotel of the Year.

Pub of the Year went to Liverpool Gin Distillery, with Duke Street Food and Drink Market picking up New Tourism Business of the Year, whilst the Royal Liver Building 360 was awarded Small Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Tourism Star of the Year went to Elle Barnes-Reen from Everton Football Club and Tourism Young Person of the Year was Jordan Rhoda from Liverpool ONE. During the evening, viewers were able to enjoy a delicious meal and cocktail supplied by Lu Ban at Home and Pentone Family, heated at home to create a truly virtual experience in a Tourism Awards first.

Peter Sandman, Head of Visitor Economy at Growth Platform said, “Last year we held these awards in the magnificent Liverpool Cathedral. 2020 has presented the city region with many difficult challenges which we must face together, rewarding and celebrating all these businesses tonight is one way we can show unity and strength as a sector.

“We know there are many challenges ahead and hurdles to overcome but we have the assets and the right people across the region to successfully come through this unprecedented time.”

Full list of winners:

Tourism Star of the Year sponsored by Marketing Liverpool

Elle Barnes-Reen, Everton Football Club

Tourism Young Person of the Year sponsored by Lu Ban at Home

Jordan Rhoda, Liverpool ONE

New Tourism Business of the Yea sponsored by Epic

Duke Street Food & Drink Market

Independent Tourism Business of the Year sponsored by Liverpool John Lennon Airport

Western Approaches

B&B / Guest House of the Year sponsored by Pentone Family

Mere Brook House

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Ticket Quarter

Royal Liver Building 360

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award sponsored by Quinnovations

Mere Brook House

Taste Award – Cafe/Bistro of the Year sponsored by MSP Global

Tusk

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year sponsored by The Metro

Staybridge Suites Liverpool

Pub of the Year sponsored by sponsored by Wild Thang

Liverpool Gin Distillery

Entertainment Venue of the Year sponsored by Hotel Indigo

Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres

Business Events Venue sponsored by ACC Liverpool

The Art School

Experience of the Year sponsored by Merseyrail

British Music Experience

Taste Award – Restaurant of the Year sponsored by Owen Drew Candles

Rockwood Bistro

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year sponsored by Wirral Chamber of Commerce

Knowsley Safari

Hotel of the Year sponsored by Expedia Group

Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award sponsored by National Museums Liverpool

Stephen Roberts, Crowne Plaza Liverpool