SOME of the city’s tourism hot-spots have been recognised with a clutch of awards.

Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre (ACC) and the Anglican Cathedral were two of the big winners at the England’s Northwest Tourism Awards, held last night in Blackpool.

Organised by the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA), the event aims to “drive up the quality of the visitor experience across the region” by rewarding excellence in the tourism industry.

ACC Liverpool, which incorporates the Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre, won two of the top accolades, coming home with the excellence in business tourism award, as well as the sustainable tourism award.

The judges said they were impressed by the way the venue works with local businesses and the huge impact it has had on the local economy, adding: “It is a beacon of best practice for sustainability, not just in its eco-friendly build but also its overall philosophy”.

The excellence in customer service was awarded to Christina Dixon, of Jurys Inn, Liverpool, whose “professional but friendly attitude, along with her immense knowledge of the city, set her apart from the other entrants”.

Liverpool’s new canal link, along with the revamped Pier Head, came out on top in the public space category, leaving judges impressed with its innovative design.

In West Lancashire, Farmer Ted’s Halloween attraction, Farmaggedon, won tourism experience of the year.

A judges’ commendation was given to Liverpool Cathedral in the large visitor attraction category.