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