Island gets tourism accolade

Alderney has been named as a top tourism destination by a London-based magazine.

London and Thames Today has chosen Alderney for its "Today Business Achievement Award" for 2003.

The magazine's judging panel congratulated the Alderney tourism team for its "considerable efforts" in marketing the island, using both traditional methods and the internet.

Tourism chiefs and businesses on the island say they hope the award will help boost the number of visitors.

'Perfect choice'

The panel praised the island for its excellent air links to the UK's south coast, for its wildlife and countryside, its Seafood festival, its golf course and all the other leisure pursuits it offers.

London and Thames Today, which has more than 350,000 readers, said Alderney was the perfect choice for anyone looking for somewhere to visit without going as far as continental Europe.

Alderney tourism's marketing manager, Ilona Soane-Sands, said the accolade could lead to a big summer boost in business.

She also said the magazine was particularly impressed with the way in which the island is marketed seasonally.

She said: "They said it was the way we market ourselves, how we sell all the assets of the island in different ways.

"For example, in early spring, we try to entice birdwatchers and walkers to the island. By March, I want to try and get golfers to the island."

The island's hoteliers have welcomed the award.

Steve Collins, who runs Alderney's biggest hotel, the Belle View, said it will do much to raise the profile of the island.