Entries now open to showcase the best of Worcestershire’s tourism businesses!

The tourism awards are one of the largest business celebration events in Worcestershire, recognising and rewarding the county’s billion-pound industry. Tourism in Worcestershire attracts over 17 million people each year and supports over 19,000 industry jobs.

Entries are now open across 15 categories, including two brand new additions for 2024/25.

Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards Categories for 2024/25

• Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award
• New Tourism Business of the Year
• Business Events Venue of the Year
• Festival and Event of the Year
• Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year (B&Bs and Small Hotels)
• Large Hotel of the Year
• Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
• Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
• Experience of the Year
• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
• Pub of the Year
• Taste of Worcestershire Award
• NEW - Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award 
• NEW - Unsung Hero Tourism Award

The new two additions are set to showcase dedicated individuals going above and beyond, as well as businesses championing a warm welcome for all visitors through inclusive measures.

Dominique Bray, Business Growth Manager for Visit Worcestershire said: “We are thrilled to once again open the tourism awards for another year, especially as we continue to expand the categories and allow more opportunities for businesses to enter and shine. The Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards are a celebration of our fantastic tourism industry and the people who work within it. This is your moment to reflect and for your hard work to be recognised and become the best in the county!”

Visit Worcestershire is the county’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), delivered by Worcestershire County Council. It supports the local tourism industry with promotion, specialist training and access to funding.

There are an ever-growing number of benefits on why businesses should enter the awards. The tourism awards are hosted in partnership with the VisitEngland Awards of Excellence, offering the chance for Worcestershire businesses to be recognised nationally. In previous years, businesses including Treeopia, Rowley Farm Holidays, Severn Valley Railway and the former Pensons site at the Netherwood Estate have all be awarded national prizes for excellence in their respective sectors.

Visit Worcestershire has put together a number of helpful tools and guidance to ease the application process. Further details and top tips for entries can be found on the tourism awards page of the trade section of the Visit Worcestershire website.

The event is supported by a number of generous supporters, but there is still an opportunity for local businesses to come forward and become a Visit Worcestershire sponsor. Sponsoring the awards has created excellent exposure for sponsoring businesses, including press coverage and branding opportunities.

Entry forms, information and guidance are all available online via the Visit Worcestershire website.
Closing date for applications is Monday 10 June. 

Once the first round of judging is complete, shortlisted businesses will be notified by the end of August. A second round of judging will then take place, with all winners announced in March 2025.