On behalf of Visit Worcestershire, I am delighted to announce the launch of this year’s Tourism Awards for Excellence 2019.

The awards aim to recognise the thriving tourism industry in the region, putting a spotlight on Worcestershire and why it is a great place to visit, work and live.

Previous winners have included Churchfields Saltworks, Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Broadway Arts Festival and Croome Cuisine.

This year, I am pleased to reveal the seven categories that local tourism businesses are able to enter:

B&B and Guest House of the Year

Best Eating Out Experience

Camping, Glamping, Self-Catering and Holiday Park of the Year

Hotel of the Year

Pub of the Year

Visitor Attraction of the Year

Entries are now open and hopefuls have until Monday, August 12, at 3pm to submit their applications. If your application is successful, finalists must be available for judging between August-September.

After the shortlisted businesses for 2019 are announced in early September, they will then be invited to an opulent afternoon affair on Thursday, October 29, in the elegant setting of the Chateau Impney, Droitwich.

I’m thrilled to share that Hursty is this year’s compère and will host the ceremony and announce the 2019 winners and runners up.

Attendees will also be able to take part in a raffle to raise funds for this year’s charity partner, Cash for Kids.

To download an application form, visit visitworcestershire.org/awards-for-excellence. For more information, contact the Visit Worcestershire team on tourism@visitworcestershire.org

I’d like to wish good luck to all who will be entering, and thank our sponsors Sutcliffe & Co, Worcestershire Ambassadors, OLPRO, drpg, mfg Solicitors and Glide Media.