The 2022/23 Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards are open for entry and businesses are invited to submit their entries before 19 June.
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, age friendly, accessibility and sustainability. All entries must be submitted online www.somersettourismawards.org.uk, 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.
Some categories are linked with the national VisitEngland Awards and it has just been announced that The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath, No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath and The Cotley Inn, Near Chard have been shortlisted as finalists for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022. They will have to wait until the national awards ceremony on 8 June at the Library of Birmingham, to find out if they win Gold, Silver or Bronze.
The awards are free to enter being supported by many sponsors and partners. Deborah Heather, Director of headline sponsors Quality in Tourism, says: “The Bristol, Bath and Somerset awards have shown the commitment to quality from the operators in the area, they have adapted and overcome the issues of the pandemic and have become marker leaders in the sector. Quality in Tourism is delighted to be the Headline Sponsor for 2022/2023.”
Awards organiser Nell Barrington says, “I hope this will be a bumper year for tourism and hospitality businesses in Bristol, Bath and Somerset and also for entries. As we have seen this year entering these awards can lead on to national recognition. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for the three businesses that will be flying the flag for the county at the VisitEngland Awards.”
A series of free online workshops are taking place to help entrants, the first being on 12 May, more details are available www.somersettourismawards.org.uk