Winners Of VisitEngland Awards For Excellence 2012 Announced

The National Gardens Scheme collects Outstanding Contribution To Tourism Award on behalf of The English Garden

23 May 2012. The English Garden has won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2012.  The coveted accolade was one of 19 presented at a glittering ceremony hosted by the national tourist board at the art-deco Athena in Leicester, on 22 May. These prestigious awards, currently in their 23rd year, promote excellence in England’s tourism industry and celebrate the very best the country has to offer.

The English Garden is part of the very fabric of England, bringing pleasure to a huge number of visitors from home and away; in winning this award it joins an exclusive group of English tourism champions.  Previous winners include Michael Eavis, the driving force behind Glastonbury, The English Pub, The National Trust and last year’s winner, the Royal Shakespeare Company. Chief Executive of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS), George Plumptre, accepted the trophy on behalf of the Gardens of England, and guests watched a special video message from NGS President and BBC gardening expert, Joe Swift.

Above: George Plumptre, Chief Executive of the National Gardens Scheme, receiving the award from Penelope, Viscountess Cobham, Chairman of VisitEngland

George Plumptre, commented: “The National Gardens Scheme was delighted to receive the Visit England 2012 award for outstanding contribution to tourism on behalf of the English Garden. 85 years ago the Scheme introduced tourism to the English Garden and ever since we have combined offering to visitors the best gardens in the country with raising millions of pounds for charity.”