The Brighton Centre and tourist Information have been shortlisted for the prestigious Tourism ExSEllence Awards. The Centre has been shortlisted for the ‘Business Tourism Award’ while Brighton ’s Visitor Information Service has been shortlisted for ‘Tourist Information Service of the Year.’ Both services are part of Brighton & Hove City Council.
 
The Tourism ExSEllence Awards recognise excellence, quality and innovation achieved over the last 18 months and award categories cover all sectors of the industry, from Bed & Breakfast businesses to large exclusive hotels and visitor experiences.
 
The Brighton Centre is a conference, entertainment and exhibition destination and plays a big part in boosting the local economy. It has a 30-year history of offering national and international conference accommodation to associations, political parties and commercial bodies. Built in 1977, every prime minister since James Callaghan has taken part in a political conference at the Brighton Centre.
 
Brighton & Hove’s Visitor Information Centre won the regional category for tourist information in 2007 and subsequently gained the Silver award nationally. Based next to the Royal Pavilion shop, the centre is open every day of the week offering information on all there is to do and see in the city.
 
In April this year staff joined up with the Brighton Toy & Model  Museum to open the first official satellite Visitor Information Point in the city. The museum is in one of the arches under the railway station where over three million visitors arrive by train. Staff are now in discussions with Brighton Marina about the possibility of launching a similar scheme there.
 
Another recent innovation was to open a full  UK train ticket office. It means you can buy tickets for any train journey in the  UK direct from the Visitor Information Centre. Staff offer a full transport information and sales service to customers, whether they want to travel by local bus, National Express coach, or by train.
 
Councillor David Smith, cabinet member for culture and tourism, said:
“It’s wonderful that the Brighton Centre has been recognised for its immense contribution to business in the city. They have a wealth of experience and provide a personal service to customers.
 
“The Visitor Information Centre is at the forefront of helping visitors get the best possible experience out of their stay in Brighton & Hove. The quality of their service can be seen by the millions of visitors who come here every year, all year round.”
 
For more information about Brighton and Hove Council view:
www.brighton-hove.gov.uk