The former owner of the country’s biggest waterpark has been given an Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
Staffordshire entrepreneur Mo Chaudry was presented with the accolade at the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Tourism Awards.
The black-tie ceremony, hosted by Visit Staffordshire and held at Statfold Country Park, in Tamworth welcomed an audience of nearly 400 guests from across the tourism and hospitality sector. The event, sponsored by the University of Staffordshire saw awards presented across 20 categories.
Among the evening’s winners were Alton Towers, which claimed Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, and Emma Bridgewater in Stoke-on-Trent, which secured Small Visitor Attraction of the Year. The Tawny Hotel enjoyed double success, winning both Hotel of the Year and Restaurant of the Year for its on-site dining experience, The Plumicorn.
In the final award of the evening with Mo’s family by his side, he was surprised with the award that recognised his outstanding personal contribution to the sector, marking over 30 years of commitment to growing the Staffordshire visitor economy. It also marked his continued investment in the region’s future through his ground-breaking new scheme MOmentum Capital.
Last year Mo sold Stoke-on-Trent based Waterworld to European Leisure Giant, the Looping Group. He had bought the failing waterpark for £1.5m in 1999 and following a series of a multi-million pounds investments totalling £16m, he developed Waterworld into a major leisure resort. It became the most successful waterpark in the country, attracting more than half a million visitors a year and 12m visitors during his ownership
Describing the night as “one I will never forget,” Chaudry said the award came as a complete surprise and one with deep personal significance.
“To be recognised in this way is a tremendous honour,” he said. “Awards are always special, but this one feels particularly meaningful. It represents not just a moment in time, but a journey spanning more than three decades of building, backing and believing in Staffordshire.”
He added: “What made it even more special was the company. With my family beside me, to stand alongside so many exceptional businesses, entrepreneurs and teams was genuinely humbling, particularly at a time when many are facing financial pressures. From world-class attractions to independent cafés and innovative new ventures, the strength and diversity of our tourism sector is remarkable.”
Speaking on his journey with Waterworld, he said: “When we first set out, the ambition was to create something big and unique that would draw people into the region. At the time, it was a risk – the business was struggling – but I believed it had far more potential than people realised.
“Over the years, Waterworld has welcomed millions of visitors. That has delivered real economic impact – supporting jobs, boosting surrounding businesses and helping to change perceptions of Staffordshire. For me, that is what legacy looks like.”
He also praised the county’s transformation into a recognised tourism destination.
“Staffordshire is no longer a hidden gem – we are a destination in our own right. That success is down to the collective efforts of so many individuals and organisations who continue to raise standards year after year and I congratulate them all.”
Looking to the future, Chaudry emphasised the importance of continued investment in people and innovation.
“Staffordshire is full of untapped potential. Through initiatives like MOmentum Capital, I remain committed to supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and helping turn ambition into reality – including within the tourism and hospitality sector.”
He added: “Tourism plays a vital role in shaping perceptions, creating experiences and supporting thousands of jobs across our towns and cities. If we want long-term growth, we must continue to think bigger, act boldly and never become complacent.
Staffordshire County Council’s Investment Agency Manager Charlotte Cain said: “I met Mo four years ago. It was my first business meeting in Staffordshire and what was meant to be a short introduction turned into a brilliant mentoring session, I will never forget. We spoke at length about what the future could hold for Staffordshire’s visitor economy.
We talked strategy, ambition, the realities of leadership and the need for partnership to unite a whole destination after the pandemic, something I believe is being done across the Staffordshire visitor economy. Now, I’ve had the honour of presenting Mo with his a truly deserved award – a moment that felt full circle.
Mo has a brilliant mind and is a true ambassador and supporter of England and Staffordshire’s visitor economy which is why this award is richly deserved.”
