For the second year running, the British Airways London Eye was the clear winner as top attraction in the London Tourism Awards, as well as being the public's firm favourite.
Taking part in a BBC website vote, visitors gave strong reasons for their admiration for the observation wheel: 'It's the most exciting attractions,' 'I love the design,''It's modern, well designed and you get a wonderful view of London from it.'
The awards were presented in 14 catagories with the Science Museum named as best Large Attraction for the second year running and Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum and Tour taking the praise as the best Small Attraction - impressing the judges with 'new developments and visitor accessibility'. Rules restaurant, established in 1798 just off the Strand and renowned for strongly traditional British dishes, was the public's selection as London's most popular restaurant.
Although the industry chooses winners of the majority of categories the public vote is now seen as hugely important, according to Jane Mote, executive editor of BBC London: 'It's fantastic to find out what Londoners' really think of their city's attractions. We're really pleased that so many of our viewers, listeners and web surfers backed such an iconic symbol of London with the best views of the city.'
New categories for 2002 included best Tourism Website, won by www.tate.org.uk, while the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre won Innovation in Business Tourism for its success at attracting new international business. The award for Tourism Management Best Practice was won by the Pool of London Lighting Masterplan. A Barbican centre sales adviser received a World Class Welcome award for his excellent customer service skills.
The LTB says the focus on quality is high within all the categories and is of particular importance when judging accommodation. Claridge's won as best Large Hotel while Small Hotel of the Year went to the Milestone Hotel. 'A homely atmosphere' helped Aster House win as best Bed and Breakfast. Paul Hopper, managing director of LTB says it is a fantastic achievement to win an award, expecially among a great range of high quality competition: 'Winners of the awards will be promoted by LTB over the next year as the best in London.' Details: www.londontouristboard.co.uk
