A COMMITMENT to quality is topping the agenda for Mid Cheshire’s tourism businesses determined to defy the economic downturn.

Six of the area’s tourism providers have been shortlisted for the Visit Chester & Cheshire Annual Awards after a record- breaking number of hotels, B&Bs, attractions and retailers decided to bid for honours.

Visit Chester & Cheshire spokeswoman Emma Bellis said: “The record number of nominations received indicate that many businesses – large and small – see striving for and celebrating success as a key factor in surviving and thriving in the recession.

“Now, when people take day trips, book a hotel or plan a meal out, they want to know that they will enjoy the experience and get value for money. What better way to showcase quality than winning an award or two!”

Northwich’s Thundersprint and the Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival are both nominated for Event of the Year, and Elm Cottage B&B and Touring Park near Winsford is shortlisted for the Sustainable Tourism award.

Anderton Boat Lift is up for Best Tourism Experience of the Year, Large Attraction of the Year and the Access for All gong, while Arley Hall and Gardens is nominated in two categories – Small Attraction of the Year and Excellence in Business Tourism.

Go Ape! at Delamere Forest is shortlisted for Excellence in Business Tourism, Small Attraction of the Year and the Sustainable Tourism award.

The winners will be revealed at Chester Racecourse next month, and a handful will automatically qualify for this year’s England’s Northwest Tourism Awards. If successful, they could go on to take part in the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence.

This year’s awards are supported by the North West Regional Development Agency (NWDA), Trinity Mirror – the owners of the Chronicle – and Virgin Trains.