Finalist positions for our University and College Court in local and national tourism hospitality awards

Our University has been shortlisted in no less than nine categories for awards that recognise leading tourism and hospitality organisations, at both a local and national level.

College Court (right), the University of Leicester’s conference centre and hotel, has received four nominations in the national Academic Venue Awards 2017. The Academic Venue Awards will celebrate the best of the best and bring the UK’s top Academic Venues together with event buyers to network, share best practice, highlight progress and celebrate successes.

The nominations are for ‘Best Accommodation’, ‘Best Conference Venue’, ‘Best Customer Service’ and ‘Best Residential Venue of The Year’ and winners will be announced on 22 November.

The finalists for the annual Leicestershire Promotions 2017 Tourism & Hospitality Awards, have also been announced.

College Court has been shortlisted in the categories of ‘Best Team 2017’, ‘Most Enjoyable Stay’ and ‘Best Website’. Leicester Conferences, which oversees the University’s conferencing services, has received a nod for ‘Innovative Business Tourism Partner’ as has the University’s Botanic Garden (left) for ‘Best Garden or Landscape’.

There are 77 separate organisations shortlisted across the 21 categories including conference venues, visitor attractions, museums, cafes and restaurants, accommodation providers, festivals and events, and market towns.

Steve Crawford says: “I am thrilled that College Court has been shortlisted and delighted that our colleagues at Leicester Conferences and the Botanic Gardens have also been shortlisted as finalists. Over the years we have been recognised in many areas of our business but we are especially proud when we get shortlisted in the Tourism sector, truly showing the excellence of our hotel, conferencing, marketing and of course our incredible and dedicated team. I wish all nominees the very best on the night.

"In addition to the Leicestershire Promotions awards, to be shortlisted for four awards competing against all UK universities is a testament to the incredible journey that College Court and the team have been on to promote us as a venue of excellence within our field. There are some first class operations with the Academic sector so to be included in this group is a tremendous success for us already and an amazing endorsement in just four years of trading.”

Dr Richard Gornall, Director of the Botanic Garden, said: “I’m delighted that the Botanic Garden has reached the finals of this competition. It is a tribute to all the staff who work here.”

The awards ceremony will be held at Athena in Leicester on 30 November 2017 and sponsors include Everards, Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council.