Brighton has been chosen to host the 21st Enjoy England for Excellence 2010 Awards ceremony on St George’s day, Friday 23rd April 2010. The city was selected after Tourism South East in partnership with VisitBrighton tendered in a competitive bid process overseen by the Enjoy England for Excellence steering committee.

The annual awards are the most prestigious event in the English tourism calendar, playing host to 400 guests from all sectors of England’s £94 billion tourism industry.  The prominent awards ceremony will be split between two of Brighton’s renowned venues, beginning with guests treated to a drinks reception at the state of the art Brighton Art Gallery & Museum, followed by the awards ceremony at Brighton Dome.

Jeremy Brinkworth, Head of Industry Services and Chair of the steering committee is delighted to deliver the news to Tourism South East and VisitBrighton who jointly coordinated the bid.

"An extremely thorough and well coordinated bid was submitted with helpful ideas about entertainment and options for the many guests who are expected to extend their stay in Brighton over the weekend".

Mike Bedingfield, Chief Executive of  Tourism South East said "This is a great opportunity to demonstrate the fabulous range of tourism products that are available in the South East, the second largest visitor economy in England after London.  This is the first time the South East will have hosted these prestigious national tourism awards and working in partnership with VisitBrighton, we will showcase the world-class experience that the Beautiful South has to offer".

Adam Bates, Head of Tourism & Venues from Visit Brighton said "We are delighted that the City has been chosen to host the Excellence 2010 awards. Brighton has a proven track record for delivering spectacular events and with VisitEngland and Tourism South East we will pull together a memorable event, showcasing the City and the region. Brighton Art Gallery & Museum and the Brighton Dome combine contemporary event space with an opportunity to delve into the colourful history and grandeur of the City and will make a superb setting for this prestigious event."