Municipal Hotel Shines as Rising Young Talent Celebrated at Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards - European Football

The prestigious Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards delivered one of its most memorable moments last night (5 March) when The Municipal Hotel & Spa – MGallery Liverpool was named Large Hotel of the Year, on the same night that one of its own team members, Abigail Royle, won Tourism Young Person of the Year.

Abigail’s win, alongside the hotel’s major accolade, highlights a five-star venue excelling not only in standards of service but also in supporting and developing the next generation of hospitality professionals in the region.

Southport also enjoyed a highly successful evening, with two of its standout venues claiming top awards. The Bold Hotel was named Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year, while Sunnyside Guest House secured Independent Tourism Business of the Year. Their achievements reflect the town’s growing reputation for delivering high‑quality accommodation, warm welcomes and exceptional service.

This year’s Event/Festival of the Year category placed the public at the heart of the voting process. The International Beatleweek Festival took the accolade after securing strong public backing and impressing the judging panel – an outcome that showcases the region’s deep love of music, culture and major events. Meanwhile, Hot Water Comedy Club earned the title of Entertainment Venue of the Year, also rising to the top in a competitive category.

A notable theme running through the ceremony was the presence of three double winners, each reflecting the Liverpool City Region’s rising standards and ambition. Strawberry Field was recognised for both its environmental and social impact with the Regenerative Tourism Award, and again for its visitor welcome as Small Visitor Attraction of the Year. The Beatles Story secured both Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and International Tourism Award, reinforcing its reputation as a global cultural destination.

Meanwhile, Daffodil, winner of New Tourism Business of the Year, continued to impress with its fast‑growing profile and contribution to the region’s independent scene.

Together, these achievements demonstrate a sector delivering consistency, innovation and a world‑class visitor experience.

The ceremony, held at Liverpool Cathedral and hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside presenter, Kevin Duala, honoured the individuals, businesses and organisations whose work has welcomed thousands of visitors over the past year. The evening concluded with two honorary recognitions: the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award, presented to Angie Redhead for her work on developing the cruise offering, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, awarded to Lynn Saunders for delivering exceptional work on attracting film opportunities, both acknowledged for their long‑standing service and influence on the visitor economy.

Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director, Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said:

“This year’s winners highlight the exceptional talent and commitment powering our visitor economy, creating the people‑centred experiences that make our region stand out. Their work strengthens a world‑class destination that drives economic growth, supports jobs and keeps the Liverpool City Region thriving.”

Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company and headline sponsor, said:

“We are delighted to be able to offer our continued support for the annual awards, showcasing the very best in our world-famous tourism industry. We work tirelessly to support the industry, and we have invested significantly over the past two years, particularly through the Accommodation BID, on attracting more spectacular events to Liverpool to boost the hospitality sector. This is an evening that always showcases the very best of Liverpool, from our embrace of innovation to our warm welcome to all visitors. This has been such a special year for an industry that is such a vital part of our visitor economy.”

Headline sponsor was Liverpool BID with Associate sponsors Liverpool ONE and Liverpool Football Club. Category sponsors were ACC Liverpool, B&L Creative, BDO LLP, City of Liverpool College, Everton Football Club, The Guide Liverpool, Kimpton, Knowsley Safari, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, London Northwestern Railway, Merseyrail, MSP Global, National Museums Liverpool, PIB Insurance, Ticket Quarter, Virgin Experience Days and Wild Thang.

The awards were delivered by Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership and the Combined Authority and supported by Cool Breeze Events, Horseradish Caterers, The Metro, Red Events and Hilton Liverpool with the charity partner Local Solutions My Time.

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