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Coronavirus Update 23rd March 2020
Coronavirus and its impact on people’s lives and livelihoods is impacting on us all, with guidance and government instructions changing by the hour.
Our recommendations are to follow government advice closely, as well as follow guidance from your DMO, trade body and VisitBritain. The top priority for everyone must clearly be people’s lives – your own, your family’s, your staff, visitors and community – and we don’t want to distract anyone from this. Business owners and leaders will also be working flat out to secure the future of their businesses and staff.
We don’t want to deflect anyone from these top priorities. The tourism awards will remain open ‘in background’ – and for any staff working at home keen to be focusing on the future we will continue to welcome entries. We have already extended the entry deadline by a month to 31 May, and may extend again as necessary to reflect the changing situation. We are also working with partners and colleagues to plan contingencies for judging, events, feedback etc.
One things that’s already clear is that numerous individuals and businesses are showing great leadership and innovation. Huge congratulations and thanks to them all. It may well be that this year sees even greater recognition of this.
Our own team – all working from home – will continue to be available to talk with tourism contacts and help as best we can from afar, making maximum use of video and phone technology. Please use awards@services4tourism.co.uk to get in touch.
Keep safe and good luck
TOURISM AWARDS OPEN FOR ENTRY
The 2020/21 South West Tourism Excellence Awards are open for entry and businesses across the region are encouraged to start your submissions without delay.
Last year’s entrants summed up the benefits of entering the awards as increasing bookings, generating PR, helping with staff morale, retention and recruitment as well as getting free feedback on how their business could be improved. Watch the short video HERE to see what they say.
Awards organiser Robin Barker says: “It’s always great to hear from entrants what a positive change the awards can bring. To help everyone submit their best entry we are running a series of workshops across the South West and I look forward to seeing many businesses there. Details can be found HERE. Our top tip is to start preparing now, giving yourself time to consider all categories and liaising with colleagues before clicking the SUBMIT button.”
All entries must be submitted online by THE EXTENDED DEADLINE OF 31 MAY but as Easter is coming up it is recommended that businesses get them in as soon as possible. (The deadline has been extended in the light of the current Coronavirus crisis, with all plans under constant review).
Businesses in Bristol, Bath and Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly must enter in their county schemes.
Businesses in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire should enter direct into the South West awards unless based in South Gloucestershire or an active member of Visit Bath or Visit Bristol, in which case please choose the Bristol, Bath and Somerset awards. For other businesses in Wiltshire and Gloucestershire please start the process by looking at the categories – then follow our tips on entering awards, there’s even a suggested schedule for you to follow. Then follow the link to online entry here.
Entry is free, the programmes being funded by a range of sponsors and partners, and all entrants receive feedback.
If you have any queries about the awards please contact us - awards@services4tourism.co.uk
