This year’s Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards are now open for entry – and businesses are invited to enter.
After a record year in which the region’s tourism awards schemes attracted 647 entries, the 2018/19 awards have been launched and hospitality businesses across Bristol, Bath and Somerset are invited to enter.
There is a new category for Tourism Innovation and New Business, the former Sustainable Tourism category has been widened to look at additional areas such as employment and use of plastics. To mark local charity Age UK Somerset’s 70th Anniversary, this year there will be a special Age Friendly Tourism Business Award to recognise and celebrate tourism businesses (attractions, experiences, cafes, restaurants) who have considered the needs of older visitors and go out of their way to create a positive experience for those in later life. Entries can be by self nomination and nominations will also be invited from members of the public.
The launch follows just days after the announcement of the area’s success in the final event of the 2017/18 awards when the following Bristol, Bath and Somerset entrants were announced as finalists in the national VisitEngland awards:
Hotel of the Year
Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
lucknampark.co.uk
Inbound Tourism Award
The Roman Baths & Pump Room
romanbaths.co.uk
Inclusive Tourism Award
The Roman Baths & Pump Room
romanbaths.co.uk
Taste of England Award
Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park
lucknampark.co.uk
Dog Friendly Business of the Year
Salad Days
dunsterbeachhut.com
A survey of 2017/18 awards entrants has been used to further develop and refine the awards process, with entrants highlighting that their main reason for taking part was to help raise the quality of their businesses and for the free feedback provided. This has led to a programme of ‘Tourism Excellence’ workshops, helping businesses move to yet higher levels and giving them the best chances of awards success.
Bristol Airport’s Business Development Director, Nigel Scott, says: “Bristol Airport is proud to continue its association with the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards as headline sponsor for the third year running. More than one million overseas passengers use Bristol Airport every year, supporting employment and economic prosperity in our region, so we understand the importance of a strong tourism sector. The Awards showcase everything that goes towards making this part of the world such a great place to visit – amazing attractions, memorable experiences, welcoming accommodation and mouth-watering local food. I look forward to paying tribute to even more examples of ‘the best of the West’ in this year’s Awards.”
Organiser of the awards Nell Barrington says: “Feedback from last year’s entrants tells us that the Awards are increasing in their relevance. We are really looking forward to receiving entries from tourism business that are offering visitors an exceptional standard of service and an outstanding, memorable experience.”
Entry is free, the programmes being funded by a range of sponsors and partners, and all entrants receive feedback. The deadline for entering the awards is midnight on 22nd May for all categories except Customer Service Superstar and Tourism Events and Festivals which close on 22 August; in a change to previous years we are asking businesses that wish to enter Events and Festivals to register now at awards@services4tourism.co.uk.
Full details of the Awards and workshops can be found at the awards website:
Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards – www.somersettourismawards.org.uk
