Dorset: Record entries for South West Tourism Awards

Entries to this year’s tourism awards across the South West have broken all records, with 460 entries already received, including 70 into the Dorset Tourism Awards.

Numbers are expected to grow further, as three categories remain open until August 28.

The 'Outstanding Contribution to Tourism’ award is intended to recognise individuals, organisations or groups that have contributed significantly to the region’s tourism industry. Recent regional winners include Michael Eavis (founder of the Glastonbury Festival), the South West Coast Path, and Malcolm Bell (former chief executive of South West Tourism).

The ‘Unsung Hero Award for Customer Service’ is for an individual or small team within a tourism business that has stood out for going the extra mile in delivering outstanding customer service.

And the ‘Tourism Event & Festival of the Year’ award is for an event or festival that contributes to the tourism sector by attracting 5,000 or more visitors.

Awards spokesperson Robin Barker said: “The awards have hit new heights this year, breaking previous records again following the region’s success in May’s national awards, when the South West was England’s top region. It is especially good to see businesses showing year-on-year improvements and numerous first time entrants.

“I must also thank our many sponsors who fund the year-round programme, including headline sponsors South West Water, Hoseasons and Saffery Champness.  They and other sponsors will be benefiting from record visits to the awards websites, totaling 24,600 page views since the start of April.”

The tourism awards are free to enter and all entrants receive feedback.