Hertfordshire took first place at the British Travel Awards 2011, winning the award for ”‘Best UK Local Tourism Partnership 2012 Olympics Initiative”.

The British Travel Awards recognise excellence in the tourism industry and are considered the “Oscars” of travel.

Enjoy! Hertfordshire, the county’s Tourism and Leisure Partnership, won the award for its 2012 Games marketing campaign that includes the Enjoy! Chequebook.

The chequebook gives visitors more than £500 worth of discounts and deals at attractions, restaurants and hotels throughout the county.

Tim Hutchings, chairman of Enjoy! Hertfordshire, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award.

“This is fantastic news for Hertfordshire and it acknowledges the hard work of the Enjoy!

Hertfordshire Partnership in promoting our county as a great tourist destination and also speaks volumes about the quality of our local tourism businesses.

“The partnership, formed ten years ago, co-ordinates the promotion of Hertfordshire’s tourism offer, and includes attractions and accommodation providers of all sizes.

“Receiving this award is a particular honour as it is one of the few British Travel Awards that is judged by the British Travel Academy and presented on stage at the ceremony by Paralympian and world champion, Bethany Woodward.”

Derrick Ashley, chairman of the Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Partnership, said: “We are very excited that Hertfordshire, a host county for the 2012 Olympics Games, has been honoured with this award.

“Having the Lee Valley White Water Centre in our county means we are already attracting more visitors to the county.

“The Enjoy! Chequebook is a great way of encouraging visitors to make the most of our beautiful county while they are here and to enjoy the many outstanding tourist attractions and hotels we have to offer.”

Enjoy! Hertfordshire is supported by Hertfordshire County Council and Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.