The 2023/24 Tourism Awards are now open and tourism and hospitality businesses from the South West are invited to enter.
Businesses in Bristol, Bath and Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly must enter their county schemes. Businesses in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire should enter directly into the South West awards unless based in South Gloucestershire or an active member of Visit West, in which case they should enter the Bristol, Bath and Somerset awards. The awards offer businesses the chance to win not only regionally but – for matching categories – to progress to the national VisitEngland awards.
The categories include pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as accommodation, spa, wedding and business venues, attractions, events and experiences. There are also awards for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog-friendly, water efficiency, accessibility and sustainability.
Feedback from last year’s entrants listed the benefits of entering as increasing bookings, generating PR, free feedback, making great contacts, boosting staff morale and helping with recruitment.
Awards organiser Robin Barker says: “We’re delighted to be opening this year’s Tourism Awards with yet more tweaks and refinements to ensure they keep at the cutting edge of excellence in tourism, offering businesses the chance to shine as well as receive invaluable feedback.”
The awards are free to enter being supported by many sponsors and partners. Steve Hayfield, Customer Experience and Delivery Director at headline sponsor South West Water, said: “We are proud to continue our support of the South West Tourism Awards, recognising that a thriving tourism industry is essential to the economic wellbeing of our beautiful region. The exceptional work of tourism businesses in the South West is key to the region’s success as a holiday destination and it’s so important that their efforts are recognised and celebrated. We look forward to hearing about more examples of outstanding service to the industry and to the region as the 23/24 Awards progress.”
Online workshops are being held to help businesses complete their entry forms, and ask any questions on 17 and 23 May. Places are limited and must be booked via the website.
Entries must be submitted online no later than the deadline of midnight on Sunday 18 June; more details about all the schemes can be found HERE.
