POOLE's ongoing quest for Tourism excellence has taken another step forward with the presentation of the Echo-backed Palms awards.

Eighty business leaders gathered at the Harbour Heights to congratulate winners of this year's Sibbett Gregory Poole Tourism Awards:

Tourism Promotion of the Year - Animal Poole Windfest, "the UK's premier annual kite and windsurf festival". Now in its seventh year. Organised by Gary Willingham of FC Watersports, Sandbanks.

Tourism Development of the Year - Compton Acres. New facilities include Sorridi restaurant and delicatessen, The Ark retail centre and refurbished gardens.

Tourism Personality of the Year - Peter Gordon. Managing director of the family-run Rockley Watersports centres in Poole and France. "Whilst Peter has led the business with commercial acumen to achieve record figures, he also plays a full part in local charitable and sail training initiatives and events on a voluntary basis."

Long Term Personal Contribution to Tourism in Poole - Poole Tourism Panel chairman Bruce Grant-Braham. "Awarded for the huge commitment to Poole's tourism industry over the past 20 years."

Two awards from the sponsors were also presented to:

Michele O'Brien for her weekly Granny Cousin's Summer Ghost Walks through Poole's Old Town: "Often heralded as Poole's unknown tourist gem, the award recognised the personal effort made to create a first-class experience";

Benfield Sports Group for staging the 2004 FIM Speedway World Cup in Poole: "This one-off event generated extensive international television coverage and media interest and showcased Poole to a worldwide audience."

Sibbett Gregory partner Jonathan Sibbett said: "We are proud to sponsor this annual event as Poole has a fantastic tourism product and so much to shout about and celebrate."

First published: Oct 1