Former footballer Marco Gabbiadini has proved he is top in tourism after netting an award for his B&B.Marco, who played more than 750 matches in his football career with York City, Sunderland, Northampton Town, Derby County, Darlington, Hartlepool United, and Crystal Palace, won Guest Accommodation of the Year Award with his wife Deborah at the Visit York Tourism Awards at the end of April.
The couple, who run Bishops Guesthouse, were among 13 businesses in the city to win awards at the glittering ceremony in the National Railway Museum.
Ian Reed was named Tourism Ambassador at the event for his work transforming the Yorkshire Air Museum & Allied Air Forces Memorial into a successful attraction.
Gillian Cruddas MBE, chief executive of Visit York, said: “Ian has worked tirelessly over the last 20 years to promote York across the globe.
“He is always brimming with enthusiasm and imagination. The French in York event last year would not have happened without his dedication and vision to bring something different to the city
“Despite a challenging economic climate, it is encouraging to see so many businesses and individuals go the extra mile to ensure York continues to go from strength to strength as a world-renowned visitor destination.”
The title of Taste of York, which was voted for by members of the public, went to the El Piano restaurant on Grape Lane. The Hotel of the Year was named as Middlethorpe Hall & Spa and Shirley Fletcher from the Hilton hotel was given the Outstanding Customer Service award.
Alan Rowley, from Complete Yorkshire, was named as Employee of the Year and the Best Shopping Experience was The Hairy Fig.
Other awards went to: Dovecote Barns, The Golden Fleece, York Marriott Hotel, York Maze, The Ice Factor and York Racecourse.