National Award-winner at Martin Mere
Monday, 25th January 2010
Media news from WWT Martin Mere
National sustainable award for WWT Martin Mere staff
Victoria Fellowes, from Formby, has been awarded a national Shine commendation for outstanding commitment to sustainability in the tourism industry at an awards ceremony in London on Thursday 21 January.
The national Shine Awards highlight the achievements of outstanding women working in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism sector. Victoria, who works at the WWT Martin Mere Wetland Centre as Marketing Manager, was awarded highly commended in the category ‘Woman of the Year for Sustainable Tourism’.
Victoria said: “I am absolutely delighted. I was competing against some of the most experienced women in the industry, so I am honoured that I received this award. Sustainable development is becoming more and more important and we pride ourselves at Martin Mere for being one of the leaders in promoting sustainable tourism throughout the region. I couldn’t have done half of this work without the support of the team and I am looking forward to getting started on new projects in the future.”
The award was for her work developing the Ribble Coast and Wetlands regional park, as well as being instrumental in improving public transport options in the local community and linking together local businesses by developing footpath routes and cycle hire facilities. In addition, Victoria has also been the driving force for the Centre to receive a gold award in the Green Tourism Business Scheme and developing a partnership between WWT and the Football League Trust which has involved a pilot year with Martin Mere and Preston North End football club working together to use football as a means of accessing schools and the wider community to promote environmental awareness.
The awards ceremony was attended by some of the most senior representatives of the British travel and tourism industry. The key note address was delivered by the past Shine Awards' Winner, Sandie Dawe, now the CEO of VisitBritain. Also in attendance was Rt Hon Margaret Hodge MBE MP, Minister for Culture and Tourism.
WWT Martin Mere is open every day from 9.30am to 5pm. Situated off the A59, it is signposted from the M61, M58 and M6. The Centre is also accessible via the Southport to Manchester and the Liverpool to Preston line by train from Burscough Rail Stations. Visit the web site http://www.wwt.org.uk/visit/martinmere/ to find out what’s on all year round at Martin Mere and the other eight centres.
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For more information contact Victoria Fellowes, Marketing Manager, on 01704 891240 or email Victoria.fellowes@wwt.org.uk
