The Jurassic Coast team took the accolade of ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism’ award in a brand- new surprise category announced at the Dorset Tourism Awards, which took place at The Lighthouse in Poole on November 16th.
Dorset Tourism Awards headline sponsor and award category sponsor, Saffery Champness Accountants presented the award to the team. Saffery Partner Nick Fernyhough advised, “This award could not have gone to a more deserving winner and we are delighted to be able to acknowledge, reward and celebrate the successes of the Jurassic Coast team. It was back in 2001 when The Jurassic Coast became the first natural World Heritage Site to be designated in the UK. Since then a dedicated team has been working flat out, both to conserve this outstanding asset and to make best use of it for education and economic advantage. A result has been that the Jurassic Coast is now associated across the world with Dorset, helping put Dorset on the international map.
“The team has encountered all kinds of obstacles – financial, geological and political- but they are to be commended for their dedication and ultimately for their outstanding contribution to Dorset tourism.”
The Jurassic Coast team, who were hosted on the night by West Dorset Leisure Holidays, expressed their surprise and delight at their award. CEO of the Jurassic Coast Trust, Dr Sam Rose enthused, “We had absolutely no idea of our win until this evening. It’s an amazing result. We’re exceptionally proud of everything that our team has achieved for Dorset and the Jurassic Coast over the last 17 years – we’re encouraging people to love, understand and value the Jurassic Coast as we want everyone to have the best possible experience and get as many people involved as possible. We’re looking forward to building on all the fantastic work that has already been done!”
Sally King, Visitor Tourism and Access Manager for the Jurassic Coast since 2000, said:
“This means so much. It has been an absolute privilege to have overseen the development and creation of what is now a global brand, the Jurassic Coast. Together with many other equally dedicated organisations and individuals, we have succeeded in creating a truly outstanding visitor offer which contributes significantly to the local economy of Dorset. This award really recognises the immense amount of passion, innovation and sheer determination which has, and continues to be, at the core of all we do.”
