Leicestershire has been shortlisted as ‘Best UK Destination’ in the finals of the Group Leisure & Travel Awards. Visit Leicester team has been promoting new group travel offers for Leicester and Leicestershire to group travel organisers

The annual Group Leisure & Travel Awards recognise the best providers, attractions and destinations for groups as chosen by group travel organisers and Group Leisure & Travel magazine readers.Winners will be selected through voting. Leicestershire is up against some strong contenders that include the Isle of Wight, London, Staffordshire, Wiltshire and York.

Voting is open now until 2 July 2023 for group travel organisers to choose their favourite destination. Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment and Place Marketing, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this prestigious award and I would encourage organisers of group visits to vote for Leicester and Leicestershire as we believe our city and county have a fantastic and unique offer for groups.

“As a destination, we feel that we are amongst the best in the country for group leisure and travel and see this as a significant growth opportunity for Leicester and Leicestershire.”

Leicester is known as ‘Space City’ at the National Space Centre and is the birthplace of popular tourism where groups can dine in style on a steam train that follows the route of Thomas Cook’s first excursion. Leicestershire is also home to the last major bellfoundry in Britain, groups can explore the official home of Triumph motorcycles or make Melon Mowbray Pork Pies in the Rural Capital of Food.

Mike continued: “We encourage group organisers to uncover a wealth of fascinating stories on a day trip or short break including the most famous one of them all, the incredible discovery of King Richard III under a city car park.” Also shortlisted for an award is the King Richard III Visitor Centre for Best Museum or Gallery.

Phil Hackett, Manager at the King Richard III Visitor Centre, said: “As the current title holders, we are beyond delighted to be in the running for Best Museum or Gallery at the Group Leisure & Travel Awards again this year. It is a real testament to the whole team at the King Richard III Visitor Centre; they deliver an award-winning visitor experience, looking after all of our groups, tour leaders and coach drivers. The bookings team works tirelessly in the background to make their group visits a part of history.

“We are especially delighted to be sharing this moment with our colleagues at Visit Leicester, who have supported us with their innovative and engaging campaigns, itineraries, and trails throughout our 10th anniversary celebrations. For us, Leicestershire is definitely the best UK destination.”

Winners will be announced at an Awards Dinner and ceremony on 4 October 2023 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes.

To discover more about group travel opportunities in Leicester and Leicestershire, you can access our Group Travel Guide packed with ideas and bookable experiences suitable for a range of interests and group sizes, as well as fantastic accommodation options. Activities are bookable all year round so there’s plenty of time to plan well in advance.