THE 2015 Bournemouth Tourism Awards will be a celebration of the ‘golden summer’ the resort enjoyed last year.

The awards – being held on Friday February 27 at the Pavilion – will recognise outstanding efforts across the tourism industry.

Roger Parker, industry partnership manager with Bournemouth Tourism, said: “The Tourism Awards are a means of celebrating all that took place last year, which was a really golden summer.

“We had record temperatures through to Halloween when it was lovely and sunny.

“The Arts by the Sea Festival was bathed in sunlight. We had an almost endless summer which is only going to be good for a resort that is weather dependent.”

He said there were a host of important developments either under way or already completed in the town.

“What we really need to recognise is all that investment that’s starting to take place,” he said.

He highlighted the Hilton Hotel development under way near the Square and the Citrus building at Horseshoe Common.

Developments for visitors include the new Four Horsemen pub in the premises of the former Baker’s Arms at the Triangle, the 6D cinema in Post Office Road and Openwide’s zipwire and RockReef climbing attraction on the pier.

Mr Parker said the most popular of the 11 award categories was the one for ‘creative concept’, with 16-17 applications.

“All of them were good applications from people who’ve invested money or time in adding to the visitor experience,” he added.

All award entries have been assessed by a panel of judges, who also made use of mystery shoppers.

The organisers have supported nearby businesses through the awards, with trophies created by a glass blower from Weymouth. “We’re trying to keep it all nice and local,” he said.

For details of the awards, visit bournemouth.co.uk/business/tourism-awards-2015 n Large hotel experience: Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott; Days Hotel, Marsham Court; Hotel Miramar; The Connaught Hotel; The Cumberland Hotel; The Hermitage Hotel; The Norfolk Royale Hotel.

  • Small hotel experience: Cliff House Hotel; The Balincourt; Green House Hotel; Hedley Hotel; The Rosscourt.
  • Specialist dining experience: Chaplin's & The Cellar Bar; Longhorn Burgers Ltd; Salad Centre, Boscombe; Ventana Grand Cafe (Cumberland Hotel); WestBeach.#
  • World cuisine experience: Coriander Mexican Restaurant; Joy Bournemouth; La Piccola Italia Ristorante.
  • Family eating experience: Aruba Restaurant & Bar; Harry Ramsden's; Quarters Restaurant; Sprinkles Gelato.
  • Great Time Out; 6D Cinema; Discover Dorset (City Sightseeing); Go Ape Moors Valley; Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre; Matchams Karting; RockReef ; S & D Leisure (Europe) Ltd.
  • Great night out: 1812 & Bar So; Cameo & Myu Bar; Chaplin's & The Cellar Bar; The Cumberland Hotel; The Four Horsemen.
  • Creative concept of the year: Discover Dorset (Lulworth Cove, & Durdle Door Bus Tour); RockReef; Seventa Events; the Entente Florale Team; the Local Scene; the Local Sustainable Transport Fund; Town Centre BID – Gardens of Light.