The 2021/22 Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism awards are now open and businesses from across the South West of England are invited to submit their entries.
The Awards offer businesses the chance to win not just locally, but to progress on to the regional South West awards and – for matching categories – the national VisitEngland awards.
The launch comes fresh from the conclusion of the 2020/21 awards, held in what was an extraordinary year for tourism, hospitality and the world. The awards had to change their format several times, with widespread praise from entrants including such comments as:
“We can’t really put into words how much it means, especially after this year!”
“This was our first year entering and we’ve found the entire process a really positive experience”.
“Winning this award has made us feel that all our hard work and plans for the future have been acknowledged”
Other entrants listed the benefits of entering as increasing bookings, generating PR, boosting staff morale, as well as the free feedback on how their business could be improved.
The 2021/22 awards cover the full range of tourism-related businesses including pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as accommodation, wedding and business venues, attractions, events and experiences. There is a new award for Innovation and Resilience, as well as opportunities to submit entries for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, accessibility, wildlife friendly and sustainability.
Awards organiser Robin Barker says: “The last year has highlighted the need for tourism to adapt and innovate, and the same applies to the Awards. This year sees new categories, new criteria and an extended entry period giving businesses the chance to enter early ‘before the rush’ or to leave it till they have welcomed more visitors if they prefer. We so look forward to engaging with everyone once again.”
The awards are free to enter as they are supported by many sponsors and partners. Deborah Heather, Director of headline sponsors for Dorset, Devon and Cornwall – Quality in Tourism, says: “Following one of the most inspiring awards processes in our long history of supporting the Tourism Awards; Quality in Tourism is delighted to be Headline sponsor for Cornwall once again. We were truly inspired by the good and great of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset tourism this year and can’t wait to be involved in the Tourism Awards in 2021/22.”
Full details of the awards are at:
www.cornwalltourismawards.org.uk
www.dorsettourismawards.org.uk
www.devontourismawards.org.uk
www.somersettourismawards.org.uk.
www.southwesttourismawards.org.uk
Businesses in Bristol, Bath and Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly must enter in their county schemes, whilst those in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire should enter direct into the South West awards unless based in South Gloucestershire or an active member of VisitWest, in which case they should choose the Bristol, Bath and Somerset awards.
A series of free online workshops is planned to help entrants, the first being on 25 May. All entries must be submitted online by 31 August but with hopefully a very busy summer ahead it is recommended that businesses start as soon as possible.
