THE Ramada Jarvis Bolton at Blackrod -- formerly known as the Georgian House -- has been voted by members of the British Incoming Tour Operators' Association as the 2002 "Hotel of the Year."

Nathan Hilliard-Smith, executive general manager of Ramada Jarvis in the North-west and general manager of the hotel, accepted the award from Mike Watson, a member of the Scottish Parliament, at BITOA's 26th annual Convention in Edinburgh.

Mr Hilliard Smith, who has been with Ramada Jarvis for seven years, said: "This award is a real credit to my front line team whose efforts to make this hotel a great place have been recognised by guests in difficult times for the hotel business."

BITOA represents more than 300 inbound tourism organisations including the four national tourist boards, regional tourist boards, tour operators, hoteliers, transportation companies, heritage sites and other producers and suppliers.