The Tourism Society’s annual dinner was held at the House of Commons on Thursday 22nd October 2009 and included the presentation of the Society’s annual award by Society President Lord Thurso MP FTS to The National Trust accepted by Sue Wilkinson Director of Marketing & Supporter Development. The award was given in recognition to the Trusts’ exceptional contribution to the tourism industry.

In many locations the National Trust is a major generator of local employment and brings revenue to the local community that would otherwise be unavailable. With 3.7m. members and an estimated 62m. visits each year, the National Trust plays a huge role in tourism in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, attracting visits by members, day visitors, and domestic and inbound holidaymakers.

It has seen record membership recruitment numbers, a 16% increase in visitor numbers on 2008, sales in gift shops and catering outlets increasing between 15% and 20% and an 11% increase in the use of its portfolio of over 360 holiday cottages. And importantly visitor enjoyment scores are up too.

Sue Wilkinson, Director of Marketing at the National Trust, said: "Its been a great 2009 for the National Trust and its fantastic to receive this award and recognition from the Tourism Society for the work of all our staff and volunteers in welcoming members and visitors to the special places that we look after. Providing a real experience for visitors to National Trust places is not just good for tourism it goes to the roots of why the charity was founded: to help places belong to people and people belong to places."

Tourism Society President, Lord Thurso MP FTS, stated "The National Trust are worthy winners of the award, their protection and renovation of the UK’s stately homes and castles is what makes the UK so distinctive as a destination."

Tourism Society Awards have been received by Ken Livingstone (2008); BBC Coast Series (2007); Sunny Crouch OBE FTS (2006); The Olympic Bid Team (2005); HM The Queen (2003); Chris Collier MBE (2002); Farm Stay UK (2001); Britain's TIC Staff (2000); The Blue Badge Guides of Britain (1999); Ian Grant CBE - Former Chairman of the Scottish Tourist Board (1998) and The Chefs of Britain (1997).