The 2023/24 Tourism Awards are now open and tourism and hospitality businesses from the South West and South East are invited to enter.  Businesses in Bristol, Bath and Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly must enter in their county schemes and those in the South East into the Beautiful South 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 (including Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year and Holiday Park of the Year), spa, wedding and business venues, attractions, events and experiences. There are also awards for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, 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.

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 websites.

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 www.southwesttourismawards.org.uk and here www.beautifulsouthawards.co.uk.