THE very best of Liverpool’s booming tourism businesses were honoured at a gala event held at the city’s waterfront last night.

The Mersey Partnership (TMP) Annual Tourism Awards recognise excellence in an industry which now generates £1.2bn a year locally, supporting more than 22,000 jobs.

Hosted by BBC North West Tonight presenter Ranvir Singh, the event was held at the BT Convention Centre, at Kings Dock.

More than 500 guests enjoyed a night that rewarded the region’s hotels, visitor attractions, venues, bars and restaurants.

A total of 14 awards were made on the night and bandsmen played a medley of Beatles’ compositions after the presentation of a special Outstanding Contribution Award to Liverpool’s main cultural organisations.

Martin King, director of tourism at The Mersey Partnership, presented the award to Vasily Petrenko, principal conductor at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, who was joined on stage by representatives from the Bluecoat, Everyman & Playhouse, Fact, Liverpool Biennial, National Museums Liverpool, Tate Liverpool and Unity Theatre.

Mr King said: “Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture means that the eyes of the world are upon us. We have been attracting more visitors than ever, generating more income than ever before, and establishing the city region as one of the top destinations in the UK.

“We know that this year, 23,000 extra hotel room nights were sold in the first quarter of 2008 compared to 2007. We also attracted almost 300 journalists from both the UK and around the globe, helping spread the word about Merseyside.

“This year, more than ever, we needed to demonstrate our capacity to provide high-quality accommodation, attractions and facilities and a truly unique visitor experience.”

James Berresford, director of tourism at the NorthWest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) said: “The tourism industry in Liverpool city region has been working incredibly hard to make the European Capital of Culture celebrations a success and it is wonderful to see all their efforts being rewarded. They are winners because of their drive and dedication to making tourism in Merseyside the best it can be and it is excellent to see that the calibre of entrants is improving year-on-year.”

After picking up the award for best hotel, Alan Richmond, general manager at Liverpool’s Marriott, on Queen Square, said: “We are absolutely delighted, it is a great award and I am really pleased on behalf of the team.”

And Michelle Foulia, co-owner of Roses Tea Rooms, in Heswall, which won the taste of Merseyside award, added: “We did not expect to win at all and were up against some tough competition. It means a lot to us.”

lizawilliams