Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is proud to sponsor this year’s Winner of Winners category of the 2021/22 Dorset Tourism Awards. The Awards are now open and businesses across the county are invited to submit their entries.
The Awards, now in their 9th year, cover all of Dorset, and offer businesses the chance to win not just locally, but to progress on to the regional South West awards and – for matching categories – the national VisitEngland awards.
Sara Uzzell, Deputy Chair of Dorset LEP said: “We are proud to be sponsoring the Dorset Tourism Awards, which promotes local excellence in this important industry. It has been an extraordinary two years for tourism and hospitality and this is a great opportunity for local businesses to raise their profile and gain official recognition for their success.”
The launch follows the conclusion of the 2020/21 awards, held in what was an extraordinary year for tourism, hospitality and the world. The awards had to change format several times, with widespread praise from entrants including such comments as: “This was our first year entering and we’ve found the entire process a really positive experience.”
Other entrants listed the benefits of entering as increasing bookings, generating PR, boosting staff morale, as well as the free feedback on how their business could be improved. Find out more about the benefits.
The 2021/22 awards categories 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 a new award for ‘Resilience and Innovation’, as well as opportunities to submit entries for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, accessibility and sustainability.
Awards organiser Robin Barker says: “The last year has highlighted the need for tourism to adapt and innovate, and the same applies to the Awards. This year sees new categories, new criteria and an extended entry period giving businesses the chance to enter early ‘before the rush’ or to leave it till they have welcomed more visitors if they prefer. We so look forward to engaging with everyone once again.”
The awards are free to enter and a series of free online workshops is planned to help entrants. All entries must be submitted online by 31 August but with hopefully a very busy summer ahead it is recommended that businesses start as soon as possible.