The winners of the Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018 have been revealed.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHYThe Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Simon Finlay Photography)

Around 300 guests attended the black-tie event at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds to hear the results of the 13 categories.

Keynote speaker Allan Lambert of headline sponsor Hoseasons described the event as the biggest and best tourism awards the region had seen.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Suffolk/Norfolk rivalry extended past the award categories as shown by East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star editor Brad Jones (left) and Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News editor David Powles. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHYThe Suffolk/Norfolk rivalry extended past the award categories as shown by East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star editor Brad Jones (left) and Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News editor David Powles. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Simon Finlay Photography)

He said the standard of entries had been high and the winners deserved the recognition they would receive. “But while the trophies are being presented and the photos are being taken, let’s not forget the runners-up – all of whom have had fantastic years and in turn done their bit for tourism in the East,” he said.

Mr Lambert urged businesses in the tourism sector to work together. “Because it doesn’t matter if you are running a tea shop in Tuddenham, a caravan park in Kelling, or a self-catering company in Lowestoft – we all know how hard it is out there for businesses right now, so it really does make sense to stick together for the greater good where and whenever we can,” he added.

East Anglian Daily Times: Keynote speaker Allan Lambert, of headline sponsor Hoseasons, speaks at the awards. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHYKeynote speaker Allan Lambert, of headline sponsor Hoseasons, speaks at the awards. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Simon Finlay Photography)

He also welcomed the news that the Broads had been shortlisted in the BBC Countryfile’s National Park of the Year awards.

EADT editor Brad Jones said the awards not only celebrated overall effort, but also recognised individual contributions.

East Anglian Daily Times: The setting for the Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHYThe setting for the Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Simon Finlay Photography)

“Regularly in the pages of both the East Anglian Daily Times and the Eastern Daily Press we give our pages over to positive stories about tourism growth and achievement.

“Going forward I for one know I speak on behalf of both Dave and myself, and our two counties, when I say how grateful we are for your efforts. We will always do all that we can to celebrate them.”

East Anglian Daily Times: East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star editor Brad Jones at the awards. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHYEast Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star editor Brad Jones at the awards. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Simon Finlay Photography)

EDP editor David Powles said that while many industry sectors had struggled in 2017, it was a different story for tourism.

“(It was) one of success and growth, both in Norfolk and Suffolk. Combined the tourism industry in these two counties is worth just shy of £5bn and is responsible for more than 15pc of all employment.

East Anglian Daily Times: St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds played host to a packed audience for the awards. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHYSt Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds played host to a packed audience for the awards. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Simon Finlay Photography)

“That’s a staggering figure and in 2018, with visitor numbers only expected to grow, the fantastic work you guys do become even more important to every single one of us.”

The roll of honour:

East Anglian Daily Times: Eastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News editor David Powles. Picture: SIMON FINAL PHOTOGRAPHYEastern Daily Press and Norwich Evening News editor David Powles. Picture: SIMON FINAL PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Simon Finlay Photography)

• Best Marketing award sponsored by Dayvisits and Take One Media: SPILL Festival of Performance, Presented by Pacitti Company.

• Best Bed & Breakfast sponsored by Ryans Insurance: Ixworth House.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHYThe Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. Picture: SIMON FINLAY PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Simon Finlay Photography)

• Food & Drink Tourism Attraction sponsored by Regency Purchasing group: The Ickworth.

• Best Self Catering sponsored by Norfolk Country Cottages: The Suffolk Escape.

Customers at the Centre of Everything sponsored by Camplings Linen: The New Wolsey Theatre.

• Best Independent Hotel sponsored by Norwich Print Solutions: Milsoms Kesgrave Hall.

• Sustainable Tourism sponsored by Lloyds Banking Group: Secret Meadows.

• Best Small Visitor Attraction sponsored by Norfolk & Suffolk Tourist Attractions and Shopper Anonymous: Felixstowe Museum.

• Best Large Visitor Attraction sponsored by Norfolk & Suffolk Tourist Attractions and Shopper Anonymous: Dinosaur Adventure.

• Holiday Park/Village sponsored by Willerby Ltd: Searles Leisure Resort.

• Broads Tourism award sponsored by Broads Tourism: Limes Farm Holidays.

• Family Tourism Event sponsored by Dann’s Norfolk Dairy Ice Cream: Aldeburgh Olde Regatta and Carnival.

• Outstanding Achievement award: Martin Dupee.

Read more: St Edmundsbury Cathedral evacuated ahead of Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards.