Published: February 7th, 2025
Visit Herefordshire is delighted to confirm writer and broadcaster Jules Hudson as host for the inaugural Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards being held at a Gala Dinner on the 26 February 2025 at Lyde Court near Hereford.
A thorough judging process has taken place over the past few months, with specialist judges and industry experts called upon from across the sector to help crown the best of Herefordshire tourism businesses.
With over 60 businesses across the county having been named as finalists, everyone will come together to celebrate their achievements at the event and find out which tourism provider in each of the14 categories will be crowned winners.
Hosting the event and helping to announce the winners will be Jules Hudson who lives with his family in Herefordshire. He is passionate about Herefordshire and country life, and is probably best known as the leading face of the BBC’s rural property flagship Escape to the Country as well as and co-host of Channel 5’s This Week on the Farm alongside Helen Skelton
Jules has become more involved in Herefordshire’s tourism industry recently, having opened the Mole Hill Hutholiday let and The Jules Store which features a range of handmade furniture and other items created by the presenter.
“I’m thrilled to be invited to host this event where we celebrate the best of Herefordshire’s thriving tourism industry and recognise the hard work and dedication that goes into running businesses in this sector.
The ceremony promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the innovation, dedication, and excellence of Herefordshire’s tourism providers,” commented Jules.
All the award winners from the event will automatically be shortlisted for the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence later in the year.
Diane Mansell, CEO of Herefordshire County BID/Visit Herefordshire, commented:
“We are incredibly excited about the inaugural Visit Herefordshire Tourism Awards as the date draws nearer to unveiling our winners and I’m delighted that Jules will be joining us to be our host.
Not only is Jules a professional presenter, he lives in Herefordshire and is a champion for the County; he has a real understanding of what it takes to deliver excellence, as a business owner in the sector himself.
I’ve seen such creativity and entrepreneurship running through the hearts of each one of these successful businesses helping them to reach the finals. What they all have in common is the ability to consistently deliver a great Herefordshire welcome to all our visitors which is vital.”
These awards provide an opportunity for businesses to be recognised among the country’s finest, offering industry-wide exposure and a chance to be named as one of the best tourism experiences in England.
The full list of shortlisted businesses, and further information about the awards, can be found on the Visit Herefordshire website. https://www.herefordshirecountybid.co.uk/visit-herefordshire-tourism-awards/
The Awards event promises to be a highlight of the Herefordshire tourism calendar, bringing together local businesses, industry leaders, and tourism professionals for a night of celebration and recognition.
Finalists have already been invited to secure their tickets for the event, with the remaining tickets now on general release, which can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/visit-herefordshire-tourism-awards-tickets-1112489158019?aff=oddtdtcreator
Walking with the Wounded named official Event Charity
Visit Herefordshire has named the charity Walking with the Wounded as the event’s official charity. All proceeds raised from a charity raffle taking place on the night will go to Walking with the Wounded.
“I’m elated that the event will be raising funds for this incredible charity, one which I’ve been actively supporting through its annual Walking Home fundraising effort, encouraging Brits to take a walk this winter, big or small, to enable the charity to continue to support military veterans,” added Jules.
Sponsors
Many thanks also go to the headline sponsors Hello Starling and our Category Sponsors: Herefordshire Council, The Hereford Times, eighteen73, National Trust, White Heron Drinks, Westons and Lyde Court.
