Following its first ever visit to the nearby town of Poole this year for the start of Rallye Sunseeker, the rally has scooped a prestigious award in recognition of Tourism Promotion following the recent Sibbert Gregory Poole Tourism Awards.
Jonathan Sibbett, Director at Sibbett Gregory, said: “We are extremely proud Rallye Sunseeker came to Poole this year and we are continually inspired by the strength of businesses, organisations and individuals who make a key contribution to the reputation for quality synonymous with Poole. These businesses and events play an important part in making the town attractive not just to visitors and residents but to people wanting to invest and grow in this vibrant town. The Palms is a fantastic way to acknowledge those businesses and individuals who have invested both their enthusiasm and commitment to play their full part in Poole’s reputation for excellence.”
Rallye Sunseeker took the category for Tourism Promotion of the year with the event attracting over 7000 thousand people to Poole Quay and gave Poole a superb out of season event, at a traditionally quiet time of the year. With a line up featuring teams from across the UK, Ireland, Iceland and Europe the prestigious Rallye Sunseeker bought the world’s motor sport elite to Poole Quay for a unique ceremonial start and parade, giving visitors and residents a fantastic chance to see world-class motor sport up close and all for free. Next year the event has gained British Championship status and will be the opening round of the Dulux British Rally Championship.
Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman of the Poole Tourism Management Board, said: “We are thrilled that in this difficult economic climate businesses have continued to invest and develop showing their confidence in our town. Poole businesses are leading the way but we can never be complacent about just what this level of dedication and investment means for the town in terms of jobs, facilities and reputation which benefit residents and visitors alike.”
Pictured above is Alex Mellon collecting the award on behalf of the team at Rallye Sunseeker