Leicester to host national tourism awards in 2012

Leicester Shire Promotions has announced that Leicester has been chosen to host the prestigious national ceremony of VisitEngland's Awards for Excellence on 22 May 2012. National tourist board, VisitEngland selected Leicester and the Athena, making it the first time that the national finals have been held in the East Midlands.

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence (known formerly as the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence) have been running for 22 years and play a major role in showcasing the fantastic range of high quality experiences on offer for visitors in England. The Awards have had a hugely positive impact on tourism in England providing a benchmark for all businesses to aspire to and delivering widespread massive benefits to participants and winners alike.

James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said: "We are delighted to award the honour of hosting of the ceremony, a prime example of one of England's most culturally diverse and exciting urban centres. Athena is an art deco gem and will provide an iconic setting for the awards."

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions added: "This is a fabulous recognition of Leicester and Leicestershire's growing tourism credentials. We continue to target national events of this stature to bring them to Leicester and Leicestershire. Working closely with Athena on this particular bid has proven successful and we're confident that the Leicester ceremony will prove popular with the cream of the English tourism industry."

Hira Ram, Events Manager from Athena commented: "We are delighted to host this prestigious event and be recognised as a leading venue for national and international events. Athena is hosting a number of high profile events during 2012 and we have no doubt that the VisitEngland awards will be a highlight. We look forward to working with the organisers to create the type of spectacular event we have become known for."

Originally designed in 1936 by Robert Arthur Bullivant as an Odeon Cinema, the Athena venue represents one of the largest, most extravagant buildings in the region. The Odeon closed as a cinema early in the 1990s before being bought privately and restored to its former glory, retaining its original art deco splendor. In 1998 Athena became a Grade 2 listed building. As a landmark building situated within the Cultural Quarter of Leicester city centre, Athena combines original features such as its exceptional acoustic insulation with state of the art technology.