Winners announced in tourism 'Oscars'

Winners were announced from across the white rose county.

The National Railway Museum was the big winner in the White Rose Awards, which recognise excellence in Yorkshire tourism.

The York attraction was named visitor attraction of the year at Thursday night's ceremony at Leeds United's Elland Road stadium.

The Deep, Hull's museum about life under the oceans, was named best newcomer to tourism, while the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford was recognised for its conference faculties.

BBC Look North presenters Christa Ackroyd and Harry Gration also handed out awards to guest houses, hotels, and a caravan park.

Dubbed the 'Oscars' of the region's tourism industry, The White Rose Awards are designed to recognise excellence in tourism.

Tourism is the largest and fastest growing industry in Yorkshire and organisers said there had been a record number of entries in 2003.

The full list of winners of the 2003 White Rose Awards.

Best Newcomer to Tourism
The Deep, Hull

Outstanding Customer Service Award
Karen Slater - Swinton Park Hotel, Masham

Tourism for All
National Coal Mining Museum for England, Wakefield

Tourism Website of the Year
Harewood House Trust

Local Food and Drink in Tourism
Clow Beck House Hotel, North Yorkshire

Tourist Information Centre of the Year
Pickering TIC

Conference Venue of the Year
National Museum of Photography, Film and Television, Bradford

Guest Accommodation of the Year
Shallowdale House, Ampleforth

Self-Catering Holiday of the Year
Shoreline Cottages, Leeds (cottages based in Whitby)

Caravan Park of the Year
Far Grange, Skipsea

Hotel of the Year (up to 50 bedrooms)
Swinton Park, Masham

Hotel of the Year (50 bedrooms and over)
De Vere Oulton Hall Hotel, Leeds

Visitor Attraction of the Year (under 100,000 visitors)
Thackray Museum, Leeds

Visitor Attraction of the Year (100,000 visitors and over)
National Railway Museum, York