Two Lincolnshire tourism destinations won bronze awards at The Visit England Tourism Excellence Awards 2023.
The International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln (pictured) won bronze in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category, while Charlotte and Steven Bennett from Healing Manor Hotel won bronze in the Resilience and Innovation category.
The gala event took place at the Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter and was hosted by Alex Polizzi from the TV series the Hotel Inspector.
The IBCC was shortlisted alongside Blenheim Palace and the Warner Bros Studio and came away with a bronze, so to achieve third place overall was a signifcant achievement.
“To have achieved this status after only five years and to be amongst these giants of the tourism industry is a huge nod to the efforts, passion and dedication of our team of staff and volunteers,” said Nicky Van Der Drift, who is CEO of the International Bomber Command Centre and Chair of the Greater Lincolnshire LEP’s Visitor Economy Board.
“Their commitment to make the IBCC the best that it can be and ensure every visitor receives a warm welcome and has a wonderful experience is why we can compete on a national stage.
“Despite all the challenges of raising the funds, major archaeological works and the Covid-19 pandemic, the team has been resolute and determined to see the job is done and done well. It has been a long and difficult journey so being awarded this bronze award amongst the best of England’s tourism offer is a real pat on the back for everyone who has supported us.
“We’re proud to be flying the flag for our beautiful county on a national stage.”
Charlotte Bennett from Healing Manor Hotel is also a member of the Visitor Economy Board.
Healing Manor was shortlisted alongside Langley Castle Hotel in Northumberland and St Luke’s Bombed Out Church CIC in Liverpool.
“What an honour to have received a bronze award in the Resilience and Innovation category,” said Charlotte.
“While this award reflects on our immediate pivot during Covid and the lockdowns in 2020, it also represents the huge changes we have made as a small and independent business, to not only bring our supply chain and carbon footprint to the forefront of our story but to completely transition our team culture and turn the perception of working in hospitality on its head.
“As a company we have put our ‘people challenge’ at the forefront of our strategy to create a sustainable and locally focused future here at Healing Manor Hotel.”
