TOURISM AWARDS OPEN FOR ENTRY

The 2022/23 South West Tourism Excellence Awards are now open for entry and businesses from across the region are invited to submit entries.

The Awards cover all of the South West, including Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, offering businesses the chance to win regionally and – for matching categories – in the national VisitEngland awards.

The launch comes fresh from the conclusion of the 2021/22 awards, held in what was an extraordinary period for tourism, hospitality and the world. Entrants listed the benefits of entering as increasing bookings, generating PR, free feedback and the boost they give to staff morale and recruitment.

The 2022/23 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 an award for Innovation and Resilience, as well as opportunities to submit entries for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, accessibility, wildlife friendly and sustainability.

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. 

Awards organiser Robin Barker says: “We’re so pleased to be launching this year’s awards and – after the tumultuous two years we’ve all had – everyone deserves a celebration and we’re hoping to break all records.”

The awards are free to enter being supported by many sponsors and partners. Jo Ecroyd, Customer Services Director of headline sponsors South West Water says: “It is an honour to continue our headline sponsorship of the South West Tourism Awards for another year. We recognise the important role that tourism plays in our regional economy and that the wellbeing of our region is reliant on the environment we live in. That’s why we recently launched our WaterFit commitments outlining how South West Water will play our part, working with partners, customers, visitors and local communities to protect and enhance the South West’s rivers and seas for future generations.”

A series of free online workshops is planned to help entrants, the first being on 12 May. All entries must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday 19 June but it is recommended that businesses plan ahead and start as soon as possible.  This deadline will not be extended.

Thank you to all our sponsors and partners who support these awards.  If you have any queries about the awards please contact us - awards@services4tourism.co.uk and do follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.