The results for Tiqets’ fourth annual tourism industry awards, the Remarkable Venue Awards, are in! To celebrate the efforts of museums and attractions during a trying year for the tourism industry, and to shine a spotlight on the venues that are moving the industry forward, Tiqets hosted its first online, global Remarkable Venue Awards ceremony on 9 December.
The 2020 Remarkable Venue Awards ceremony took the form of a global, online event featuring a keynote address from travel journalist and senior travel editor for The Independent Simon Calder and, of course, the announcement of the winning venues from France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK and Ireland, and the US.
Highlights of the awards ceremony included Simon Calder’s talk entitled “Things can only get better” which poked fun at 2020 while sharing an insightful, optimistic view of 2021 and beyond, including never-before-heard predictions for the next decade in travel through 2030.
All of 42 winning venues announced in the awards ceremony will receive a €5,000 marketing package provided by Tiqets designed to help them bounce back faster from the impact of COVID-19.
Interested in finding out more about the awards and how each one is selected? Learn more about our tourism awards selection process here.
This award recognizes the most popular venues that have both drawn the largest crowds and received the highest-rated visitor reviews on Tiqets in 2020.
Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
“… A museum that we visit every time we travel to Paris. It is always an experience!” – Evelyne, Germany
French nominees: Fondation Louis Vuitton, Arc de Triomphe, Château de Chambord
Acquario di Genova
” Great aquarium, for adults and for kids! Lovely time! Definitely recommended!” – Camilla, The UK
Italian nominees: Galleria Borghese, Musei Vaticani, Castel Sant’Angelo
Efteling
” We went back there a week later and enjoyed it again!” – Marina, Germany
Dutch nominees: Madurodam, Rijksmuseum, ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo
Sagrada Familia
“Absolutely stunning. A must place to visit. Definitely returning in the future to see the progress made” – Mary, The UK
Spanish nominees: Museo Reina Sofía, Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Casa Milà – La Pedrera
Jameson Distillery Bow St.
“Excellent!!! Lot of details, friendly guide Lauren, beautiful place !” – Michele, Italy
The UK and Ireland nominees: The lastminute.com London Eye, Tower of London, The Real Mary King’s Close
Museum of Modern Art
“Very enjoyable, we got in quick and spent a good two hours exploring. Lovely exhibits and sp much to look at. Was a fun experience!” – Frederik, France
The United States’ nominees: New England Aquarium, 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck, Art Institute of Chicago
This award recognizes the best-rated attractions (including theme parks, zoos and aquariums) based on Tiqets’ visitor reviews in 2020.
Puy du Fou
“Very good experience. Magnificent shows. We can’t wait to return to Puy du Fou to see the shows we haven’t seen.” – Gentius, Spain
French nominees: Disneyland Paris, ZooParc de Beauval, Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine
Parco Giardino Sigurtà
“Well-kept park, an oasis of peace and tranquility. A little paradise!” – Elisabetta, Italy
Italian nominees: Parco Cavour, Movieland Park, Labirinto della Masone
Johan Cruijff ArenA
“Brilliant experience at an amazing stadium and is a must for any football fan. The guide was very knowledgeable and showed us around the changing rooms, the tunnel, the pitch and dugout, the press conference area and the trophy room” – Phil, Iceland
Dutch nominees: THIS IS HOLLAND, BODY WORLDS Amsterdam, Diergaarde Blijdorp
IDEAL Centre d’Arts Digitals
“A brilliant experience. The immersion was extraordinary and the virtual reality experience was truly amazing. The staff were fantastic. I’m going again!” – Georgie, The UK
Camp Nou
“Very good experience staff very friendly and welcoming and knowledgeable” – Silviu, The UK
Spanish nominees: Acuario de Sevilla, Zoo Aquarium Madrid
Stamford Bridge Stadium Tour
“It was excellent. The tour guides were amazing, they explained everything, and answered all of our questions. Thank you very much for this experience! It was a dream come true for me personally” – Pamela, Ireland
The UK and Ireland nominees: Anfield Stadium Tour, Crumlin Road Gaol , The Beatles Story
Aquarium of the Pacific
“I had a really good time at the aquarium. I loved seeing all the different sea creatures and learning more about their habitat. My personal highlight was that you were allowed to touch some of the rays and sharks!” – Rabea, Switzerland
The United States’ nominees: Island H2O Live, Zoo Miami, The Florida Aquarium
This award recognizes the best-rated museums and art galleries based on Tiqets’ visitor reviews in 2020.
Musée des Confluences
“Superb experience! I loved it, it was not the first time I visited the Confluence Museum, but it is still so incredible.” – Philippe, Switzerland
French nominees: Musée des Beaux-Arts de la ville de Paris, Musée de l’Armée, Musée Rodin
Collezione Peggy Guggenheim
“This was a fantastic experience, we are in awe of such a wonderful collection, definitely worth a visit” – Katharine, New Zealand
Italian nominees: Parco Archeologico di Ercolano, Palazzo Pitti, Napoli Sotterranea
Van Gogh Museum
“Great exhibitions in a lovely, open building. Easy to navigate. Great facilities e.g. gift shops and cafe. Very informative. Great day out.” – Amy, The UK
Dutch nominees: Het Rembrandthuis, Moco Museum, Museum Escher in Het Paleis
Casa Museo Salvador Dalí
“Beautiful… Lovely to see how Dali lives with Gala, must see if you are visiting this area. Beautiful house gardens, views.. Loved it!.” – Brigitte, France
Spanish nominees: Fundació Joan Miró, Museo del Prado, Teatro-Museo Dalí
Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
“It was a fantastic experience and our guide Alan was excellent. I would definitely recommend it and I will be coming back again.” – Michael, Ireland
The UK and Ireland nominees: Science Museum, Titanic Belfast, The Postal Museum
USS Midway Museum
“The ship was amazing to walk through and explore. The staff was amazing and helpful. I think they all love being there!.” – Malcom, Canada
The United States’ nominees: Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, California Academy of Sciences, The Field Museum of Natural History
This award recognizes the best-rated cathedrals, churches, castles, palaces, historical or iconic landmarks based on Tiqets’ visitor reviews in 2020.
Château Royal d’Amboise
“An unforgettable moment, what a wonder!” – Michele, Italy
French nominees: Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel, Sainte-Chapelle, Domaine de Chantilly
Palazzo Ducale
“It was splendid! Absolutely recommendable!” – Barbara, Austria
Italian nominees: Basilica di San Pietro, Torre di Pisa, Duomo di Milano
SkyView de Pier
“Wonderful view over the beach, together with cake and coffee very relaxing, I can only recommend it, you absolutely have to do it” – Gabriella, Hungary
Dutch nominees: Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam, Euromast, Molen van Stolen
Casa Vicens
“A true visionary and genius leaving his signature in the streets of Barcelona. This splendid house captures Gaudí’s cleverness.” – Eduardo, The Netherlands
Spanish nominees: Casa Batlló, Sagrada Familia, Alhambra
St Paul’s Cathedral
“Just a stunning place to visit.Even if you are not religious, it is hard not to be moved by the simple beauty of this place.” – Niv, Israel
The Uk and Ireland nominees: British Airways i360, Tower Bridge,
St Johns Beacon Viewing Gallery
The LINQ High Roller
“Great views of Las Vegas from a birds eye view. The skip the line ticket bypassed the crowds and took us straight up to the High Roller. Great 360 degree view from inside and glad we had a chance to book this event online, easy breezy. Highly recommended.” – Shanhon, The US
The United States’ nominees: One World Observatory, Empire State Building Observatory, Statue of Liberty
This award recognizes the venues that are best rated for their onsite experience, based on Tiqets’ visitor reviews of staff interaction and information at the venue in 2020.
Dalí Paris
“Fabulous explanations by a fascinating guide. Thank you Madam it was a great moment of Dalían culture. Well layed out, easy to go through, enough space between exhibits to get a good look.” – Amanda, Australia
French nominees: Terra Botanica, Parc Astérix, Cultival: Behind the scenes at the Stade de France
Catacombe di San Gennaro
“Great, the guide was lovely and answered every question before we could ask them.” – Mihaela, Romania
Italian nominees: Museo Enzo Ferrari, Parco Natura Viva, Parco Le Caravelle
Ripley’s Believe it or Not Amsterdam
“Staff were friendly and couldn’t do more for us. Highly recommend Ripleys if you are coming to Amsterdam and bringing young children.” – Catalin, Romania
Dutch nominees: Heineken Experience, Amsterdam Museum, Het Scheepvaartmuseum
Albaola, la factoría marítima vasca
“Amazing company served by an enthusiastic young guide.” – Patrice, Spain
Spanish nominees: Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, El Capricho de Gaudí, Loro Parque
Irish Whiskey Museum
“Great tour and our host Grace was outstanding and very entertaining. Great job to the staff for the great facility and the tour.” – Nadja, Switzerland
The UK and Ireland nominees: Kensington Palace, Royal Yacht Britannia, Titanic Experience Cobh
Titanic Museum Attraction
“Was great, staff were amazing, overall best experience. The museum was so beautiful and informative. I really enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to everyone.” – Trina, The US
The United States’ nominees: Maui Ocean Centre, Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Museum of the Bible
This award recognizes unique, niche attractions that are likely to have been hit hardest by the COVID-19 crisis.
Paris Musées: Musée de la vie romantique
“In 2020, the museum hosted the contemporary art exhibition ‘Hearts’: an event around the representation of the heart as an expression of the feeling of love.”
Parco Archeologico di Rudiae
“The Amphitheatre arena is used for -re-enactment events, theatrical guided tours and cycle walks“
Youseum
“When reopening in June we wanted to make sure visitors felt safe and inspired by the castle and the stories. Two innovative and successful ideas were implemented.“
Museo Chillida Leku
“Chillida Leku is a unique museum, and itself a great work of art. Nature and art naturally come together in the space.”
Forth Boat Tours
“We adhere to the Scottish Natural Heritage code on marine pollution and the environment and this is highlighted to our customers during the cruise“
ARTECHOUSE
“Our mission is to empower the creation of new & exploratory art forms that make an impact
This award recognizes the venues that responded quickly and creatively to new challenges resulting from the COVID-19 crisis.
Crazy Horse Paris
“All members of Crazy Horse Paris personnel have received detailed training on how to support and apply the reinforced health and safety rules… while leaving Crazy Horse Paris magic intact!”
Circo Maximo Experience
“Plexiglass facial shields have been provided to customers”
Rijksmuseum Muiderslot
“Heroes are the tour guides that bring Youseum’s message into reality. The mission of our heroes is not only to bring our message close to our audience but also to create a single, unique experience every time a new visitor enters the door.“
Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
“Innovation is key to success, and at Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza innovation is, and will be, our driving force.”
Sherlock: The Official Live Game
“We had to develop a new official Sherlock game in an outdoor environment, available via an app so people could play using their own smartphones.“
The Mob Museum
“We shifted our operations from distilling moonshine to producing hand sanitizer”
The winners for the 2020 Remarkable Venue Awards have been decided, and now we’re calling on museum- and attraction-goers across the globe to help us select the best of the best.
The selection of the Global Remarkable Venue Award Winners in a best-of-the-best competition will be based on votes cast by consumers for their favourite museums and attractions. Votes can be entered through this online voting portal. The winners of the Best of the Best competition will receive a marketing package from Tiqets worth € 10K.
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