Wheatland Farm Eco Lodges are a finalist in the Visit England 2012 awards

Wheatland Farm Eco Lodges has been named as a finalist in the Sustainable Tourism category of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2012.

As one of just five finalists in this category - sponsored by the Green Tourism Busines Scheme - Wheatland Farm now goes forward to the glittering Awards Ceremony which is being held on 22 May 2012 at Athena, an art deco gem located in the heart of Leicester's cultural quarter.

Owner Ian Ripper said, "It's quite something to get this far - in the top 5 across the country! We have to wait until the big night to find out whether we're Gold, Silver, Bronze or one of two Highly Commended. We daren't hope for the top slot - any of them will be a big achievement!"

Commenting on the finalists James Berresford, VisitEngland's Chief Executive said "I would like to congratulate all those nominated as VisitEngland Awards for Excellence finalists this year. Wheatland Farm can justifiably take credit and pride in earning a place in the top 5 in their category in England."

The other finalists in the category are Hoe Grange in the Peak District, Kelling Heath in Norfolk, Ullswater Steamers in Cumbria and Wheeldon Trees, Earl Sterndale, also in the Peak District.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

About Wheatland Farm

Wheatland Farm Eco Lodges and Cottage http://www.wheatlandfarm.co.uk
Owners Ian Ripper and Maggie Watson can be contacted on 07780 708 747 or 01837 83499.
Wheatland Farm gratefully acknowledges support from the Devon Wildlife Trust, Natural England's Higher Level Stewardship Scheme, and Zero Carbon World.
In the previous 12 months Wheatland Farm also won Devon Environmental Business Initiative's Low Carbon Business Award, Gold for sustainable tourism in the Visit Devon awards and Gold for sustainable tourism in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

About VisitEngland

VisitEngland is the country's national tourist board. It works in partnership with the industry to develop the visitor experience across England, plan national tourism strategy, grow the value of tourism in England and provide advocacy for the industry and our visitors
VisitEngland markets England under the Enjoy England consumer brand in the domestic market and markets England under the VisitEngland brand internationally

About the category sponsors, Green Tourism Business Scheme (GTBS)

The GTBS is the national sustainable tourism certification scheme for the UK. Originally developed in partnership with Visit Scotland, it is now the only certification scheme validated by Visit Britain, through the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT).
http://www.green-business.co.uk/

About the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2012

The Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2012 celebrate the best of English tourism. They promote healthy industry competition and high standards, helping to ensure England's place as a world-class destination. www.enjoyengland.com/excellence
The 17 categories for the 2011 awards include: Access for all Tourism Award, Bed & Breakfast / Guest Accommodation of the Year, Best Tourism Experience, Business Tourism Award, Caravan Holiday Park, Large Hotel (over 35 bedrooms), Large Visitor Attraction (over 100,000 visitors), Outstanding Customer Service, Self Catering Holiday of the Year, Small Hotel of the Year (under 50 Bedrooms), Small Visitor Attraction (under 50,000), Sustainable Tourism Award, Taste of England Award, Best Tourism Event, Tourist Information Service, Tourism SuperStar, and Travel Article of the Year.

Wheatland Farm

Devon self catering cottage and eco lodges