FINALISTS have been selected for the first-ever Dorset Tourism Awards which will be presented at a glittering ceremony next month.
The new awards have attracted more than 60 entries and nominations, which have all been examined by independent judges.
Industry leaders and experts have secretly visited places nominated in the 12 categories and have produced shortlists.
Gold, silver, bronze and commended awards will be announced at the ceremony at the Tank Museum in Bovington on October 24.
Successful businesses will then be considered for the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in January and possibly the National Enjoy England Awards.
Judge Andrew Alder said: “I was impressed by the quality and range of entries for the various categories which presented the judges with a challenging task.
“The awards process is pro-viding the perfect opportunity for Dorset to demonstrate the depth and diversity of its tourism industry.”
Robin Barker of Services for Tourism, who have created and managed the awards programme, added: “Dorset is one of England’s top tourism destin-ations both in diversity and quality. It is great to see this come to prominence.”
Hopefuls
BED & BREAKFAST AND GUEST ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR
The Inn at Cranborne, Cranborne
Launceston Farm B&B, Blandford Forum
The White House, Charmouth
TOURISM INFORMATION SERVICE
Discover Purbeck Information Centre, Wareham
Lyme Regis Tourist Information Centre, Lyme Regis
Poole Welcome Centre, Poole
HOLIDAY PARK OF THE YEAR
Highlands End Holiday Park, Bridport
Rockley Park, Hamworthy
South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, Lytchett Minster
BEST TOURISM ACTIVITY, SPORT & EXPERIENCE
Furleigh Estate, Bridport
Lyme Bay RIB Charter, Bridport
National Trust Brownsea Island, Poole
TOURISM EVENT OF THE YEAR
The British Beach Polo Championships, Poole
Dorset Seafood Festival, Weymouth
Rallye Sunseeker 2012 and 2013, Poole
Sherborne Abbey Festival, Sherborne
HOTEL OF THE YEAR
The Bridgehouse, Beaminster
Eastbury Hotel, Sherborne
Hotel Miramar, Bournemouth
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD
Captains Club Hotel, Christchurch
Highlands End Holiday Park, Bridport
SELF CATERING ESTABLISHMENT OF THE YEAR
Dove House and Swallows, Dorchester
Dream Cottages, Weymouth
Greenwood Grange, Dorchester
EATING OUT AWARD
Arbor Restaurant at The Green House Hotel, Bournemouth
Beaminster Brasserie, Beaminster
Eastbury Hotel, Sherborne
Highcliff Grill at the Marriott, Bournemouth
VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR
Farmer Palmers , Organford
National Trust – Kingston Lacy, Wimborne Minster
Sandworld, Weymouth
The Tank Museum, Bovington
TOURISM PUB OF THE YEAR
The Inn at Cranborne, Cranborne
Lulworth Cove Inn, West Lulworth
The Old Granary, Wareham
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
To be announced on the night
WINNER OF WINNERS
To be announced on the night
SPECIAL AWARDS
To be announced on the night
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