The tourism award winners across the BH postcodes were revealed at the glamour-filled 2018 BAPTA Ball Awards Ceremony, which took place on the 15th March at the Lighthouse Poole.
A fabulous, fun-filled celebration of tourism at its finest, the BAPTAs (previously known as the Bournemouth Tourism Awards) in association with Berendsen, were more competitive than EVER, drawing increased entrants from throughout the BH post code area with 19 categories, including two new ones (New Business of the Year Award and the Self-Catering Accommodation Award Category).
The revised BAPTA brand, merger with Poole and engagement with the wider Dorset audience, as well as ROUTEpr’s vibrant and creative refresh, which incorporated nominations, a simpler online entry process, a launch video and a PR campaign blending traditional and digital channels, has ensured that these prestigious awards continue to grow.
Master of ceremonies, actor and presenter Chris Jarvis, compered the smooth running of the gala evening as the winners, shining lights of the regional tourism sector, were announced and came forward to receive their awards.
Winner of The Large Hotel Award, sponsored by headline sponsor Berendsen, was The Cumberland Hotel and the other awards covered dining, hotel and self-catering accommodation, activities, retailer experience, green initiatives, Rising Stars, bar staff and more.
Michelle Lessig, Regional Client Manager at Berendsen, said: “We congratulate The Cumberland Hotel and ALL of the winners and finalists. We are proud and thrilled to be associated with the awards, which this year drew exceptional entries from across the region, including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ferndown, Verwood, Wimborne, Wareham and Swanage.”
“Not only do the BAPTAs raise the profile of tourism in Dorset across the BH post code area, but our worthy winners act as beacons for those who will enter in the future.”
Added Andy Woodland, Chairman of the Bournemouth and Poole Tourism Management Board: “Many tourism businesses and organisations work together to make the tourism economy so strong in Dorset. The variety and standard of entries this year has been incredible. Altogether tourism spend brings in over a £1billion in the BH post code area and annually to our local community and represents at least 25% of the areas gross income.
The judges were impressed by business growth and development, but we must say well done to all entrants, semi-finalists and especially, tonight’s winners.”
A thorough judging process included application assessments, visits and mystery shopping, with four voting categories decided by public vote.
PR and marketing entrepreneur Jackie Phillipson, Co-ounder of ROUTEpr, Marketing and Events, who manages and created the BAPTAs, said: “This is our finest celebration to date! Entrants, sponsors and partners have excelled themselves with their commitment to doing a fantastic and professional job. Covering the whole BH post code area made judging harder, but high calibre entrants show this destination has what it takes to walk the red carpet.
The value of winning and being a finalist in the awards brings kudos and related publicity, they all deservedly have something to shout about as they return to congratulate their teams and every finalist and winner act as ambassadors for next year too, because they encourage more people to enter.
“The BAPTAs are the foremost event for making regional tourism connections. They celebrate the hard work and dedication which go into creating this award-winning destination.”
The 2018 BAPTA winners are:
The Large Hotel Award – sponsored by Title Sponsor Berendsen
WINNER: The Cumberland Hotel – Bournemouth
FINALISTS:
- Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa
- Hotel Collingwood
- Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
- Hotel Miramar
- Marsham Court Hotel
The Small Hotel Award – sponsored by County Foods
WINNER: THE PIG – on the Beach – Studland
FINALISTS:
- Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa
- Lord Bute Hotel
- The Green House Hotel
- The Orchid Hotel
- Urban Beach Hotel
The Transport Delivery Award – sponsored by Meridian Air Conditioning
WINNER: Jetski Safaris – Poole
FINALISTS:
- City Cruises Poole
- City Sightseeing Bournemouth
- Dorset Cruises
- Morebus
- Swanage Railway
The Specialist Dining Experience Award – sponsored by Fusion WIFI and Westbourne Business Association
WINNER: The Jetty Restaurant – Christchurch
FINALISTS:
- Hotel du Vin & Bistro Poole
- No.34 Restaurant
- The Guildhall Tavern
- Ventana Grand Café at The Cumberland Hotel
BAPTAs Best Breakfast Award – sponsored by Bournemouth and Poole College
WINNER: The Beach Hut Café – Christchurch
FINALISTS:
- Fresh Edge Café
- Hotel Collingwood
- M’s Bakery
- The Paddle Café
Best Retail Experience Award – sponsored by Marsham Court Hotel
WINNER: Titan Leathercraft – Poole
FINALISTS:
- Compton Acres
- Nellie Mimosa
- Titan Leathercraft
- Willow Floristry
- Webster Family Butchers
New Business of the Year Award – sponsored by South West Regional Assessment Centre
WINNER: Pause Cat Café – Bournemouth
FINALISTS:
- Activate Indoor Trampoline Park
- El Murrino
- Marvo Mysteries Escape Room
- The Vintage Lounge & Cinema
The International Cuisine Experience Award – sponsored by Poole Audi’s Feast Magazine
JOINT WINNERS: Ocean Palace Restaurant Poole & Tiien Thai – Bournemouth and Broadstone
FINALISTS:
- Isabel’s Restaurant
- Koh Thai Tapas
- The Guildhall Tavern
Self-catering Accommodation Award – sponsored by Trethowans Solicitors
WINNER: Burnbake Forest Lodges – Wareham
FINALISTS:
- Bournemouth Beach Lodges
- Home Farm Enterprises
- Knaveswell Farm
- Rivendell Outdoor Club
- Wareham Forest Tourist Park
The Bar Personality of the Year Award – sponsored by Meridian Lifts
WINNER: Ivan De La Fuente – Lola’s Spanish Tapas Restaurant – Bournemouth
FINALISTS:
- James Jakeman – Ventana Grand Café at The Cumberland Hotel
- Tommo Quy – Captains Club Hotel & Spa
- Harley Stevens – Koh Lounge
- Danny Vickers – 1812 Lounge Bar and Restaurant
BAPTAs Rising Star Award – sponsored by HD Telecom and IT Ltd
WINNER: Prince Ogbuji – Nativ – Bournemouth
FINALISTS:
- Kate Compston – Gin House and Tap House
- Lisa Dowdall-Sousa – Oceana Hotel Collection
- Lia Martin – Westbourne Business Association
- Andrei Moisa – Hotel Miramar
The Family Eating Experience Award – sponsored by Town Centre BID
WINNER: El Murrino – Bournemouth
FINALISTS:
- Brewhouse and Kitchen
- Delfino Lounge
- Steam Vintage Tea Rooms
- Urban Reef
The Great Time Out Award – sponsored by Merley House
WINNER: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park – Poole
FINALISTS:
- Bournemouth Metropole Street Market
- Go Ape Moors Valley
- Lulworth Outdoors
- Poole Harbour Boat Show
- RockReef and PierZip
The Green Initiative Award – sponsored by Waste Management Facilities
WINNER: Rivendell Outdoor Club – Wimborne
FINALISTS:
- Marvo Mysteries Escape Room
- South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park
- The Southern Sustainability Partnership Limited
- We Do Ethical
- Yellow Buses RATP Group
The Creative Concept of the Year Award – sponsored by Oceana Hotel Group
WINNER: The Larder House – Southbourne
FINALISTS:
- Brewhouse and Kitchen – The Academy
- Create at the Cove
- Immense Air
- Poole Maritime Festival
- Swanage Rep Theatre
The Unsung Hero Award – sponsored by United Taxis
JOINT WINNERS: Des Simmons – Bournecoast and Bournemouth Tourism Management Board and Jackie Richmond – Lemur Landings – Poole
FINALISTS:
- Paul Dredge – Bournemouth and Poole Tourism Management Board
- Ian Faulkner – Wimborne BID
- Ian Goode – A Goode Experience
- James Maidment – Canvas Bournemouth
The Education Award – sponsored by Bournemouth English Book Centre
WINNER: White Pepper Chef Academy & Cookery School – Lytchett
FINALISTS:
- Bournemouth University International College (BUINTCOL)
- CHI Training
- Hengistbury Head Outdoor Education Centre
- Lulworth Education Service
- South West Regional Assessment Centre
The Afternoon Tea Award – sponsored by Country Fare
WINNER: Hotel Miramar – Bournemouth
FINALISTS:
- Compton Acres
- Hotel Collingwood
- The Courtyard Tea Rooms
- The Cumberland Hotel
BAPTAs Best Night Out Award – sponsored by Eskimo Epos
WINNER: Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar – Boscombe
FINALISTS:
- 1812 Lounge Bar and Restaurant
- Canvas Bournemouth
- Coastal Comedy
- Mai Tai Cocktail Bar
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