The comment came from Cllr David Jeffels, Scarborough Council's cabinet member for tourism speaking at the Yorkshire Coast Tourism Awards.

The awards evening at the Ocean Room in the Spa Complex was hosted by former Miss Scarborough and Calendar presenter Carolyn Hodgson.

Twelve awards were presented to tourism businesses and individuals from Scarborough, Whitby and Filey.

Katherine Smith of Peppers restaurant in York Place said: "We are really honoured. We have put a lot of hard work in."

Peppers were awarded the accolade for "excellent service, surroundings and overall presentation."

Debi Silver and Rex Rixon of Café Heart was delighted to have won the title of the best cafe in Scarborough as Café/Bar of the Year. She said: "We serve food from the heart. We use all local produce."

The café has been featured by the Evening News Café Tasters.

Lingholm Court Holiday Cottages in Lebberston won self catering accommodation of the year. Proprietor, Stephen Woodhouse said: "We're pleased to get a reward for the effort we put in." It was awarded the accolade for "the range of facilities, the proactive selling through the web and on site and excellent accommodation."

Head of visitor operations at Scarborough Castle Clea Warner said: "I would like to congratulate the whole team at Scarborough Castle. They deserve this."

Andy Sharp, winner of the sustainable contribution to tourism award said: "People who can afford to go to Barcelona or Tenerife for their holiday will now hopefully think about staying closer to home."

Mr Sharp is Chairman of the Urban Renaissance Active Transport Group and Company Secretary of Fair Carbon Ltd.

Other awards went to Sandfield House Farm in Whitby for Best Caravan Site for their "excellent first impressions, high quality of customer service and attention to detail".

Hotel Helaina in Blenheim Terrace, Scarborough, won Small Hotel of the Year. It stood out for its quality of decoration and excellence throughout.

Large Hotel of the Year was won by the Saxonville Hotel in Whitby and Retail Outlet was won by the Whitby Catch. And Filey Museum scooped Small Visitor Attraction.

Outstanding customer service award went to town centre manager, Malcolm Hall for "bringing a host of events to the town centre."

Outstanding Service to Tourism was awarded to Simon Kenworthy and the Red Lea Hotel's Bruce Lee.

Mr Kenworthy for his role as leader of the Spa orchestra and town historian and Mr Lee for his contribution to tourism as a Board Member of the LSP and the York and North Yorkshire Development Board.

Head of Tourism, Steve Hollingworth said: "It has been a fantastic night. It really demonstrated the passion within the industry."

Sponsors included: Adverset, Pindar, Scarborough Council, McCain, Matthew Clark, Proudfoot, Castle Employment Agency, Scarborough Evening News, Scarborough Hospitality Association, GNER and Barclays bank.