A GLITTERING awards ceremony highlighting the unsung stars of York's tourism world is moving to a bigger venue - because it is proving so popular.

The Awards For Excellence, run by the York Hospitality Association, will this year be held at the city's National Railway Museum.

Organisers say doubling the capacity is a sure-fire sign the ceremony, which recognises and celebrates the hard work of staff who make York tourism tick, is on the right track.

Debbie Waite, of the association, said more than 300 people flocked to a suite at York Racecourse for last year's Oscars-style bash.

But now she hopes this year's event, on March 14, will attract up to 600 industry movers and shakers.

She told the Evening Press: "It could be double the attendance," she said.

"We can fill the racecourse without even trying. This is testimony to the fact that more and more people do want to reward their staff."

The awards celebrate the cream of the city's tourism sector and the Evening Press is again sponsoring the Customer Care Award.

The success of York tourism depends how visitors are treated - and we believe our readers are in an ideal position to nominate staff that give the five-star sparkle so visitors flood back.

We want to know who went out of their way to give outstanding service. Send your nominations for the Customer Care Award on the coupon printed below.

A "phenomenal" 100-plus nominations were received last year in all categories. Event organisers today called for nominations from across the industry for the wide range of classes.

The nominations include:

Employee Of The Year Awards - eight awards for receptionists, housekeeping, restaurant/bar staff, chef/kitchen assistants, supervisor/department managers.

Person Friday (for staff with a combined role), tourism employees and sales, administration and reservations. Nominations for all the above can be made by employers.

Employer Of The Year Award - any employee working within the industry in York can vote for their employer. Employers can nominate themselves if the application is supported by a staff nomination.

Trainee Of The Year Award - open to anyone taking an NVQ in the tourism and hospitality industry. Nominations are made by tutors or employers, and the winner gets a trip to Germany to experience continental hospitality first hand.

Student of the Year Award - exclusive to the catering department of York College.

Evening Press Customer Care Award - open to anyone working in the York hospitality and tourism industry. The public, colleagues and employers are invited to nominate an outstanding individual demonstrating excellent customer care.

Deadline for all nominations, open to all tourism and hospitality-based businesses in the York area, including tourism shops, is February 11. For forms, phone 01904 635149.

Updated: 08:47 Tuesday, February 01, 2005