BUSINESS owners, civic leaders and students gathered together for the launch of the 11th Bournemouth Tourism Awards which looks set to be bigger and better than ever.
Around 140 guests including past winners, finalists and sponsors attended the event at the new Fusion building at Bournemouth University last week. (SEPT 21)
Guests were welcomed by BU students studying tourism and hospitality and treated to canapés created by Bournemouth and Poole College catering students.
Des Simmons, chairman of Bournemouth Tourism Management Board (BTMB) and managing director of Bournecoast Ltd said: “The Bournemouth Tourism Awards were a huge success in 2016 and we need your support to ensure the 2017 awards are better than ever.
"The forthcoming awards offer the chance for the hotels outside of Bournemouth to enter, so, Christchurch, Poole, Wimborne and other areas in the BH post code can now enter for the first time ever as we recognise that many visitors come to Bournemouth and help the economy but stay in areas away from the beach or the town.
"The awards are there to give businesses and individuals the recognition they so deserve and celebrate those who go the extra mile and offer a world class experience."
Jackie Phillipson, co-founder of Routepr, the company which is organising the awards said: “You can be nominated or you can enter yourselves. When you enter the awards it gives you a chance to take a look at your business and showcase your areas of excellence and expertise."
New sponsors include Berendsen, Bournemouth English Book Centre, Comax UK, Signature Catering, Waste Management Facilities, Pothecary Gin, Templar Wines, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth and Poole College.
Returning sponsors and partners include the Bournemouth Daily Echo, Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, The Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Wave 105, Amica Live, Grizzly and Bournecoast.
Entries for the 2017 Bournemouth Tourism Awards are now open for nominations and for entries. To find out more, visit tourism-awards.co.uk/Bournemouth
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here