THE top tourist businesses in Merseyside were praised at an awards ceremony at the BT Convention Centre.

More than 500 guests gathered for the black-tie dinner on the city’s waterfront, hosted by BBC presenter Ranvir Singh.

Liverpool’s Echo Arena was named performance venue of the year with judges citing its “excellent and varied programme” and “good green and accessible credentials”.

The best bar award eluded city centre venues, instead going to the Wro Bar and Lounge, in West Kirby.

The Taste Liverpool award was won by 60 Hope Street, while Acorn Farm, in Kirkby, was named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year.

The Beatles Story picked up both large visitor attraction and best marketing.

The best sustainable tourism award went to Jurys Inn, Knowsley Hall won best guest accommodation, and West Kirby’s Herons Well won best self-catering accommodation.

The best hotel was Hope Street Hotel.

Liverpool Cathedral won best retailer and the best tourism experience was won by Liverpool One.

A Winter’s Trail, featuring the Go Penguins, was named best tourism event while The Conference Centre at Lace, in Sefton Park, won excellence in business.

The awards were organised by The Mersey Partnership (TMP), Liverpool’s tourist board, which promotes an industry said to be worth £1.6bn and supporting 23,000 jobs.

Ian Ayre, chairman of the TMP visitor economy committee and Liverpool FC’s commercial director, said: “The destination’s appeal is as strong as ever thanks in no small part to the contribution made by all of tonight’s finalists and all the other businesses which make up this vibrant sector of our economy.”