‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism’ accolade awarded to Jurassic Coast team

The awards took place at Lighthouse, Poole on 16 November. Dorset Tourism Awards headline and award category sponsor, Saffery Champness Accountants, presented the award to the team.

Nick Fernyhough from Saffery said, “This award could not have gone to a more deserving winner and we are delighted to be able to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the successes of the Jurassic Coast team. It was back in 2001 when the Jurassic Coast became the first natural World Heritage Site to be designated in the UK. Since then a dedicated team has been working flat out, both to conserve this outstanding asset and to make best use of it for education and economic advantage. A result has been that the Jurassic Coast is now associated across the world with Dorset, helping put Dorset on the international map.

“The team has encountered all kinds of obstacles – financial, geological and political – but they are to be commended for their dedication and ultimately for their outstanding contribution to Dorset tourism.”

On hearing the news, Cllr Daryl Turner, Cabinet Member for the Natural & Built Environment expressed his delight, “Dorset County Council have the privilege of being associated with an outstanding team working in an outstanding location which draws visitors to Dorset globally. They highlight and promote the immense value of our beautiful coast and everything good about Dorset. Many congratulations on your well-deserved award.”

CEO of the Jurassic Coast Trust, Sam Rose enthused, “We had absolutely no idea of our win until the evening. It’s an amazing result. We’re exceptionally proud of everything that our team has achieved for Dorset and the Jurassic Coast over the last 17 years – we’re encouraging people to love, understand and value the Jurassic Coast as we want everyone to have the best possible experience and get as many people involved as possible. We’re looking forward to building on all the fantastic work that has already been done!”

The Dorset Tourism Awards, which is in its 5th year, hosted its largest awards ceremony to date, an event which celebrates the best of Dorset tourism. The awards also act as a route for Dorset businesses to compete in the South West and national Visit England awards. A record 297 guests witnessed 66 trophies being presented to tourism businesses from across the county at the Dorset Tourism Awards dinner.