Local attractions up for tourism awards

The Frost Fair, held annual in December on Bankside, has been shortlisted for the best Culture Event of the year and the council's Tourist Information Centre has been shortlisted under the category of the best Borough of the year.

Visit London Awards 2005 showcase the capital's best tourism businesses from hotels and B&Bs to visitor attractions, cultural events and marketing campaigns.

A number of other SE1 attractions have also been shortlisted, including Tate Modern, for the large Visitor Attraction of the year, The Bramah Museum of Tea and Coffee and the Fashion and Textile Museum for best small Visitor Attraction of the Year. British Airways London Eye and London Duck Tours are both up for the Tour London award.

Southwark executive member for culture Cllr Columba Blango said: "This is great news not just for Southwark Council but also for the number of attractions in Southwark that have made the shortlist. Southwark is packed full of exciting tourist attractions and I'm delighted they are getting the recognition they deserve."

James Bidwell, chief executive of Visit London, said: "The Visit London Awards aim to showcase excellence in all areas of tourism and this year's selections demonstrate the breadth and quality of experience that London offers visitors. I would like to congratulate all of the shortlisted businesses, whose commitment to quality has helped to ensure London 's position as the world's top city break destination. We look forward to celebrating their success at the Visit London Awards on 29 November."