Finalists in the Safeway Excellence in England Awards 2003 have been announced by the English Tourism Council.

A shortlist of 46 'best tourism businesses in England' have been chosen to go forward to the national final from nearly 100 regional winners put forward by England's 10 regional tourist boards.

The finalists span a range of attractions, accommodation, websites and tourist information centres and include the Eden Project; Claridge's and The Deep, in Hull.

Judge and awards presenter, broadcaster Sue Lawley, said: 'Most importantly, England is at last competing with the best in Europe for taste and style. For the Safeway Excellence in England Awards we've looked for the businesses dedicated to putting the visitor first and this year we were spoiled for choice.'

The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 23 April, at Old Billingsgate market in London.

The single lead body for inbound tourism to Britain and the marketing of England within Britain, announced by culture secretary Tessa Jowell last Autumn, will come into effect on 1 April. The body will combine the resources of the British Tourist Authority (BTA) and the English Tourism Council (ETC).