Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre nominated for VisitEngland award

The attraction scored 98 per cent for its staff following a visit in October 2019 and has been nominated for the Welcome Accolade.

The centre, based in Alexandra Dock, Grimsby, has proudly retained the accolade of VisitEngland’s Quality Rose Marque since first winning England’s Visitor Attraction of the Year when it first opened to visitors in 1991.

Attractions participate in the scheme to reassure visitors with an official endorsement of standards.

A mystery visitor attends and scores the attraction in a variety of areas, ranging from the pre-arrival experience to the main attraction and all facilities on site.

Councillor Callum Procter, portfolio holder for tourism, heritage and culture at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre is key to our tourism offer in North East Lincolnshire and it is fantastic to gain these assurances of high standards by receiving external commendations like this from VisitEngland.

“Whether it is simply to use the cafe, the gift shop or the whole attraction, it is important that visitors get the best we can give them.”

David Ornsby, acting operations officer for the centre, added: “This nomination is such a boost for the team at Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre.

“The front of house staff are a small team that work very hard to maintain the standards that we feel our visitors expect.

“The friendliness of the staff is often mentioned in TripAdvisor feedback and to have this verified in a score of 98 per cent by VisitEngland is wonderful.”

As well as the accreditation with VisitEngland, Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre also holds the Sandford Award for high standards in Heritage Education, the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and is an Arts Council accredited attraction.

TripAdvisor have awarded the attraction the Certificate of Excellence for the last six years, placing the attraction in their Hall of Fame.

Other high scoring areas included the range and content of the attraction, the quality of the interpretation, as well as the retail areas.

VisitEngland are due to announce the winners of the Welcome Accolade early in 2020.