11th Bournemouth Tourism Awards see record number of nominations and votes

Since its launch over a decade ago, the BTAs have continued to celebrate the outstanding achievements of local businesses and services providers within the tourism sector.

Des Simmons, vice chairman of BTMB and managing director of Bournecoast said: “Now in its 11th year the 2017 awards are bigger and more exciting than ever.

"We have received a record number of nominations, entries and votes recorded than in previous years.

"The large and small hotel categories, for the first time ever, now include the whole of the BH postcode area, and we have seen an array of entries from Christchurch, Poole and Wimborne, as well as from the Bournemouth area.

"Entering the awards competition is a great way to gain status and it helps every business to improve year on year, encourages improved teamwork, performance, growth and delivery.”

Jackie Phillipson from Routepr added: “The momentum and excitement builds from here on as we head towards the grand finals gala dinner and presentation of the awards on March 9.

"After the semi-finals, the public votes are counted and verified and all of the judges deliberate further so they can narrow down their top five finalists and their winner - that’s always a tough job and they often, pay a visit, call the business or gain further opinions and check up on reviews.”

John Walsh, managing director of Bournemouth English Book Centre, decided to become a sponsor after winning the 2016 Education Award.

"It has been great getting involved as a sponsor and are especially proud to represent education, as this is an area we know extremely well, " he said. "We are on a mission to find the top educators or businesses from the area and wish every entry the best of luck.”

The semi finals of the 2017 BTAs will be held at Oasis Fun Bournemouth, a new venue launched less than a year ago, on February 8.

To purchase tickets for the gala dinner or for more information, visit tourism-awards.co.uk/bournemouth.