Double prize coup for top hotels group

From the Echo, first published Thursday 16th Oct 2003.

EIGHTY key business figures gathered to showcase Poole's best tourism operators at the new Echo-backed Sibbett Gregory Palms Awards.

FJB Hotels celebrated a double victory as John Butterworth scooped Tourism Personality of the Year and also shared the award for Long Term Personal Contribution to Tourism.

Mr Butterworth, who owns Poole's Haven, Harbour Heights and Sandbanks Hotels, was hailed for his "huge contribution" to Poole.

"He is hugely respected within the tourism industry and wider business circles, continually investing in and upgrading his three Poole hotels," said a spokesman for the judges.

"Quality is one of his driving forces and this helps to endorse Poole's quality reputation and image."

Mr Butterworth has "significant input into the future direction of tourism in Poole" via his contributions to the Tourism Panel and support of summer events by such as Sands on the Beach, Poole Audi Hextreme and the Animal Windfest.

He shared his Long Term Personal Contribution Award with:

Cllr Brian Clements - "instrumental in creating the Poole Tourism Panel" and empowering private enterprise with the dominant role (11 of the 16 members).

Robert Leonard - "As previous owner of the Mansion House, he laid the foundation for quality. It is one of the AA's top 200 hotels in the country."

Other winners were:

Tourism Promotion of the Year - Eat out Guide! - Poole Audi.

"An innovative and unique free guide celebrating the quality and range of eating out in Poole. It has received rave reviews including Rick Stein."

Tourism Development of the Year - Branksome Beach restaurant - "Previously a typical `beach café' serving traditional fare, now a modern and contemporary restaurant with one AA Rosette."

Poole Tourism Panel chairman Bruce Grant-Braham said: "These awards are important to champion best practice, recognise excellence in the town, reward achievements and to create exemplars for others to aspire to."

Sibbett Gregory partner Jonathan Sibbett said: "Poole has a fantastic tourism product and so much to shout about and celebrate.

"The standard of Poole's tourism industry is second to none and these awards clearly endorse Poole's quality image and reputation."

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