A MAN who has been working and investing in the tourism industry for more than 40 years won the top honour at Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority's annual awards.
A MAN who has been working and investing in the tourism industry for more than 40 years won the top honour at Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority's annual awards.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Rodney Scott, who over the years has built up thriving businesses and transformed seafront properties and turned around empty hotels.
He has seen projects through at the Cliff Hotel, Star Hotel, Atlantis Hotel and more recently Caesar's Bar, the Pub on the Prom Hotel and the Pier Hotel in Gorleston.
The lunchtime ceremony at the Town Hall also featured the launch of 400,000 What's On guides which will be available at tourist information centres across East Anglia.
Welcoming the 200 people at the awards, Graham Plant, the new chairman of the tourist authority, said: “With the economic downturn more people are looking to holiday in England and hopefully when they see the brochure they will realise the many things Yarmouth has to offer.”
Mr Plant is also the borough councillor responsible for tourism.
This year's Special Awards fell into two categories
The first part was based on nominations from within the industry within several categories - a kind of “Best in class for 2008” and voted on by the membership of the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority. The second part focused on Investment in Tourism in 2008; on businesses and individuals, who, in 2008, were able to demonstrate continuing investment; originality, diversity, innovation and high standards and personal achievement.
The annual meeting of the Tourist Authority preceded the awards. Graham Plant was elected chairman and Ken Sims of Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens vice-chairman. Committee members from the private sector are: Aileen Mobbs, Albert Jones, Malcolm Bird, David Marsh; and from the public sector: councillors Barry Coleman, Michael Jeal, Charles Reynolds, Tony Smith and Bert Collins.
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