i360 wins gold at tourism awards

Kirstie Allsopp; Steve Bax executive director BAi360; Emily Bamber PR & Communications Manager BAi360; Denis Wormwell chairman of the VisitEngland Advisory Board (Photograph: VisitBritain/Gary Summers)

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which took place on Monday (April 23), celebrates ‘the best in English tourism’.

The i360, built by London Eye creators Mark Barfield Architects, was called ‘a triumph of innovation’ by judges.

The seafront attraction allows visitors to enjoy the views of Sussex in a glass pod from 450ft high.

British Airways i360 (Credit: Visual Air)

Steve Bax, executive director of the i360, said: “We are deeply honoured to have received this highly prestigious national award which recognises the excellence of our beautiful visitor attraction.

“Innovation drives everything we do at British Airways i360, from the unique design by Marks Barfield Architects to the partnerships with British Airways, Brighton and Hove Council and the West Pier Trust; and is evidenced in the daily visitor experience delivered by the team.

“From the pod our visitors enjoy unfolding 360-degree views across Regency Brighton & Hove, the South Downs National Park and the glorious Sussex coastline, and we are extremely proud to have showcased our beautiful region on the national stage.”

Howard Barden, VisitBrighton head of tourism, said: “Congratulations to British Airways i360 on winning gold for Innovation in Tourism at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. It is wonderful to see this Brighton attraction receiving national recognition.

"Even though British Airways i360 has only been open just over 18 months it has already become an iconic part of the seafront and looking ahead we are excited to see the new events being planned such as the iDrop and Sky Dining.”

VisitEngland chief executive Sally Balcombe said: “The standard of the hundreds of applications we received this year was extremely high and that’s why British Airways i360’s accolade is a testament to their excellent work.

“These awards shine a spotlight on our fantastic tourism industry, with the winners showcasing the quality, innovation and excellence on offer throughout England and I warmly congratulate them on their impressive contribution to the tourism industry.”

British Airways i360 has won 19 awards for design, engineering, innovation and the quality of its visitor experience and events, including: a RIBA National Award; a RICS National Award for Design Through Innovation; three RICS South East awards including Project of the Year; two Gold awards at Tourism South East’s Beautiful South Awards and the Institute of Structural Engineers Supreme Award for Structural Engineering Excellence (Jacobs UK).