Leicestershire Shortlisted as Best UK Destination for Groups
The Visit Leicester team has been shortlisted by the Group Leisure and Travel Awards for Best UK Destination for the second consecutive year
Visit Leicester has been working with leisure and travel organisations to promote group travel to the region and this recognition comes directly from the Group Leisure and Travel industry. These are the only national awards for group travel and recognise the best providers, attractions, and destinations for groups.
Leicestershire is up against the Isle of Wight, London, Norwich, Wiltshire, and York in the Best UK Destination category. Voting is open now till Sunday 21 April for group travel organisers to choose their favourite destination. Find out more at www.groupleisureandtravel.com/awards/vote
Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing, said:
“We are delighted to be shortlisted for this prestigious award once again. This is testament to the fantastic experience organisers of group visits have when travelling to Leicestershire, and we would encourage more of them to discover the unique offer our city and county has for groups, including dedicated coach parking in the city.
“As a destination we are amongst the most accessible places in the country for group leisure and travel and see this as a significant growth opportunity for Leicester and Leicestershire.”
Leicester is the birthplace of popular tourism and where Thomas Cook ran his very first excursion, from Leicester train station. Groups can relive that experience today and dine in style on a steam train at the Great Central Railway. West End quality shows are also available to enjoy at Leicester’s Curve theatre. Leicestershire is home to Belvoir Castle, one of the finest examples of Regency architecture, and groups can explore the last major Bellfoundry in Britain, in Loughborough. Our sporting heritage can be appreciated with group tours of English Rugby’s most successful teams’ stadium at Leicester Tigers, and for a traditional taste of England, groups can make pork pies in the Rural Capital of Food, Melton Mowbray.
Mike continued: “We encourage group organisers to uncover a wealth of fascinating stories on a day trip or short break including the most famous one of them all, the incredible discovery of King Richard III under a city car park, whose tomb can be viewed at the recently re-opened Leicester Cathedral.”
Also shortlisted for an award is the King Richard III Visitor Centre for Best Museum or Gallery.
Phil Hackett, Manager at the King Richard III Visitor Centre, said: “As previous title holders, we are beyond delighted to be in the running for Best Museum or Gallery at the Group Leisure and Travel Awards again this year. It is a real testament to the whole team at the King Richard III Visitor Centre, they deliver an award-winning visitor experience, looking after all our groups, tour leaders and coach drivers. The bookings team works tirelessly in the background to make group visits a part of history.”
“We are especially delighted to be sharing this moment with our colleagues at Visit Leicester, who have supported us with their innovative and engaging campaigns, itineraries, and trails, throughout our 10th Anniversary Celebrations. For us, Leicestershire is definitely the Best UK Destination."
Winners will be announced at an Awards Dinner and ceremony on 27 June 2024 at the Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington, London.
To discover more about Group Travel opportunities in Leicester and Leicestershire you can access our Group Travel Guide packed with ideas and bookable experiences suitable for a range of interests and group sizes, as well as fantastic accommodation options. Activities are bookable all year round so there's plenty of time to plan well in advance.
Request your copy of the guide at www.visitleicester.info/visitor-information/group-travel/request