The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) has been named a finalist in the tourism industry’s national Awards for Excellence.

VisitEngland, the official tourist board for England, selected the SVR as one of three finalists in its new Resilience and Innovation category Following a rigorous judging process by experts from the tourism industry.

In March this year, the SVR won a regional award for Resilience and Innovation from Visit Worcestershire. As a result, it was put forward for the national VisitEngland Awards along with hundreds of other businesses from across the country.

The improvements the SVR had made in its virtual experience, digital PR, collaborations, wider tourism support, and business diversification impressed the Visit Worcestershire judges. They said that the organisation was ‘an inspiration to others’, and highlighted the railway’s apprenticeship scheme.

The awards ceremony will take place at the Library of Birmingham on Wednesday, 8th June.

Helen Smith, the SVR’s Managing Director, said:

“This is an outstanding achievement for the Severn Valley Railway, and recognition for the amazing hard work and talents of our volunteers and paid staff.

“To survive the devastating impacts of the Covid pandemic has taken incredible strength, brave decisions, and many changes to the way we work. For example, our most recent innovation has been to paint an SVR-based locomotive purple, to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

“Resilience and innovation have truly been our watchwords, and we’re so pleased that VisitEngland has acknowledged our achievements by choosing us as finalists.”

VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said:

“These awards celebrate the businesses and individuals in tourism across England who have delivered excellence during the last year and it is fantastic to see such an outstanding list of finalists.

“The impressive list reflects the sheer scale of innovation, quality, and experiences across England’s tourism industry and I congratulate all the finalists and wish them the very best of luck.

“Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism and this year’s awards are also a timely opportunity to acknowledge the determination and dedication of tourism businesses as they rebuild, and continue to champion best practice and customer service excellence, providing visitors with a standout experience.”