Front Page matters

We highlight issues brought up by our members on this page, or news relating to the Guild.

Tourism awards do make a difference

By Gillian Thornton, BGTW

Previous Front Page features are archived here.

Everybody likes to win prizes and the three winners of the Guild’s Tourism Awards always enjoy their spotlight moment at our annual gala dinner. But what does it actually mean to walk away with that coveted plaque?

Paul Gossage, Director of Marketing and PR at Ironbridge Gorge Museums in Shropshire, is in no doubt what winning the Guild’s 2010 Tourism Award meant for Blists Hill Victorian Town, one of 10 museums at the UNESCO World Heritage site:

‘The Ironbridge Gorge Museums secured considerable local, regional and national press coverage on the back of the Award, including pieces in the Shropshire Star and Best magazine, and an interview on BBC Radio Shropshire,’ he says.

‘But it’s not only the column inches and broadcast minutes that count. We’ve been able to mention winning this prestigious award in many different circumstances, such as applications for other awards and even funding bids. Being recognised by professionals in the travel industry has greatly helped to reinforce the fact that Blists Hill is one of the major attractions in the UK and we’re very grateful to all the Guild Members who voted for us.’

The plaque has been on display both in the Museum’s Board Room where it was seen by many VIP visitors, and at the entrance to Blists Hill Victorian Town where it has intrigued many members of the public.

‘People aren’t usually familiar with the Guild so when we explain what the Guild is and what the members do, they all want to join and take up a career in what sounds like the best job in the world,’ laughs Paul. ‘They’re always interested to know what awards we have won. It shows they are visiting an attraction that’s been recognised as the best of its kind.’

Opened in 1973, Blists Hill won the 2010 UK Tourism Award following a £12 million facelift which repositioned it at the forefront of UK heritage education. Major new attractions included a visitor centre with multi-media presentation and a new street of working ‘Victorian’ shops.

Apologies to Blists Hill for an error that crept into the 2011 Yearbook. The correct information can be found on www.ironbridge.org.uk