Dorset tourism businesses were celebrating in numbers this week as winners and sponsors of the 12th Dorset Tourism Awards were presented at Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth.
The event was the conclusion of five months of independent judging as hospitality businesses of all kinds were recognised for their excellence in customer service, sustainability, digital communications and accessibility.
Guests were inspired by a presentation from Portland based Olympic stars Etienne Stott and Laura Baldwin, who shared their tips on the importance of winning and environmental protection.
61 winner trophies were presented including a Winner of Winners award to Careys Secret Garden and a special Outstanding Contribution award to Professor Peter Jones for his work in skills development and accessibility.
Amanda Park of sponsors Visit Dorset said: “Visit Dorset are proud sponsors of the Dorset Tourism Awards and as always, we were delighted to have the opportunity last night to celebrate the sheer variety and quality of businesses across the whole of Dorset’s fantastic tourism industry, which contributes so much to our Dorset economy. Congratulations to all the finalists!”
Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism added: “It is such a great reward for the hard working teams in tourism and hospitality to receive this recognition, and it is so deserved. Congratulations to all the winners.”
Many of the Gold winners in the Dorset Awards will also be nominated to represent Dorset in the national VisitEngland awards later in the year.
The full list of winners can be seen at www.dorsettourismawards.org.uk, and photos from the evening can be downloaded free of charge from www.keynotephotography.co.uk/p463975476.
