Drusillas Scoops Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Award

Popular Sussex visitor attraction Drusillas Park has scooped a prestigious accolade in the 2014 Sussex Business Matters Awards.

The annual awards celebrate outstanding businesses throughout East and West Sussex. A total of 18 categories were up for grabs ranging from Start-up Business to Lifetime Achievement.

Drusillas Park was named winner of the Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure award at a gala dinner held on 25 July at the Arora Hotel, Gatwick. Organisations in this category were judged on their ability demonstrate exceptional industry success, innovation, strong growth and market leadership.

Managing Directors, Laurence and Christine Smith attended the event along with eight staff members representing various departments. The team collected the award from television presenter, newsreader and the host of the evening, Fred Dinenage.

Christine Smith commented: “Drusillas Park is constantly evolving and improving. We introduce new animals and attractions every year and are constantly adding value. We are delighted that our hard work and dedication has been recognised by the judges and we will continue to ensure that Drusillas Park remains an exceptional visitor attraction.”

Laurence and Christine Smith acquired the award winning zoo in 1997 after selling a nationwide recruitment business. The husband and wife team have invested heavily in Drusillas over the last seventeen years, securing a deal with HIT Entertainment to bring Thomas the Tank Engine to the Park and Sanrio in 2014 to open the first Hello Kitty attraction in Europe.

The Park is now a true family run business with eldest daughter Cassandra working at the zoo since 2005, alongside her sister Caroline who joined the company in 2010. Next year Drusillas will celebrate their 90 year anniversary and the Smiths have a great deal planned to mark the auspicious occasion.

This award is the latest in a long line of accolades achieved by Drusillas Park. In 2010/11 Drusillas won the Tourism South East’s highly acclaimed Visitor Attraction of the Year award as well as receiving accolades for Business of the Year and Best Customer Service at the Sussex Business Awards 2009/10.