THE i360 has been awarded Gold for ‘Innovation in Tourism’ at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which celebrate “the best in English Tourism”.

The award was presented by VisitEngland Advisory Board chairman Denis Wormwell during a ceremony at the Assembly Rooms in Bath, which was hosted by the TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp.

Announcing the Gold Award for British Airways i360, the judges said: “A triumph of innovation and a completely unique attraction, this slender tower and state of the art cable car technology continue Brighton’s tradition of expressing identity through remarkable architecture. From arrival at the beautifully reconstructed toll booths to departure, the entire experience is one of quality.”The British Airways i360 observation attraction on Brighton seafront was conceived and designed by Marks Barfield Architects, creators of the London Eye. From the glass pod and glide up to 450ft for panoramic views across Brighton, the South Downs and the beautiful Sussex coastline.

Executive director Steve Bax 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 & 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.”

VisitBrighton head of tourism Howard Barden 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 for 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. I warmly congratulate them on their impressive contribution to the tourism industry.”

Since opening in August 2016, British Airways i360 has won 19 awards for design, engineering, innovation and the quality of its visitor experience and events. These also include: 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).