Cleaner from Somerset House `sweeps up` at the London Tourism Awards 2003

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The winners of the London Tourism Awards 2003 were announced after months of speculation at a stylish ceremony held at…

The winners of the London Tourism Awards 2003 were announced after months of speculation at a stylish ceremony held at Claridge`s today. The awards, organised by Visit London and presented by Emily Maitlis of BBC London, unveiled the winners of 15 categories showcasing the best of London tourism.

An interesting twist to this year`s World Class Welcome Award, which recognises the achievements of those working at the front line of tourism, saw this year`s award bestowed upon cleaner Brian Malunga, from Somerset House. Though Brian`s only remit at Somerset House is to clean, his energy and passion for London makes him a favourite with visitors to the attraction.

The highly coveted award for best Large Attraction was given to The Natural History Museum, mainly for the innovative Darwin Centre introduced by the museum in 2002. The best Small Attraction went to Apsley House, where the team continues to impress judges with their imaginative programme of activities.

The hotly contested accommodation awards saw the Landmark London come out on top as the Best Large Hotel in London for the second time in three years; the Best Small Hotel went to The Capital and the Best Bed and Breakfast to Windermere Hotel.

Other winners include the National Portrait Gallery for the important Tourism For All award. The gallery was a hands-down winner, proving their commitment to embracing the needs of all disabled visitors to the Gallery.

David Campbell, Chief Executive of Visit London said, It is fantastic to see London and its excellent tourism product celebrated at the London Tourism Awards. This year`s winners show that London really is a world class city.

THE WINNERS 2003

Visitor Attraction (under 100,000 visitors)

Apsley House

Estorick Collection of Italian Art – Highly Commeded

Visitor Attraction (over 100,000 visitors)

Natural History Museum

Bed and Breakfast

Windermere Hotel

Chalon House – Highly Commended

Small Hotel (under 50 bedrooms)

Capital Hotel

Large Hotel (over 50 bedrooms)

Landmark London

Tourism Website

British Airways London Eye www.ba-londoneye.com

National Maritime Museum http://www.nmm.ac.uk/ – Highly Commended

Innovation in Business Tourism

Reed Travel Exhibitions – World Travel Market 2002

Tower Hamlets – Eastend Venue Guide – Highly Commended

Sightseeing Tour

City Cruises

Tourist Information Centre

Britain and London Visitor Centre

Local Tourism Initiative

Bellenden Renewal Scheme – London Borough of Southwark

Bankside Street Action Project – London Borough of Southwark – Highly Commended

World Class Welcome (customer service)

Somerset House – Brian Malunga

Tourism for All

National Portrait Gallery

WHERE London Best Retailer

Harrods

WHERE London Best Restaurant

Hard Rock Cafe

BBC London Totally London Award

Borough Market

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