THE finalists have been revealed in the 2017 Bournemouth Tourism Awards.

Trade professionals spent days deciding which of the semi-finalists should make it through.

Public votes have also been cast for four voting categories: Bournemouth’s Best Breakfast, Rising Star, Bar Personality of the Year and The Afternoon Tea Award, which resulted in a record number of votes.

The 17 categories, which include the new Green Initiative Award sponsored by Waste Management Facilities, celebrate businesses and people who go out of their way to deliver a ‘green’ service or invention in the tourism industry.

Jackie Phillipson of ROUTEpr and the awards: “These awards are only possible thanks to the support of the industry as well as the amazing support received from our sponsors and partners. It is important that we continue to celebrate and reward the hard-working industry professionals that contribute significantly to Bournemouth’s offering as a leading tourist destination in the UK.”

Des Simmons, chair of Bournemouth Tourism Management Board (BTMB) and managing director of Bournecoast Ltd, said: “This year it has been tougher than ever to choose the finalists and the winners for each category, most especially with the number of nominations and entries received.

“There are so many amazing businesses within Bournemouth and the surrounding BH post code areas that contribute to the overall appeal of this great destination, making us one of the UKs key destinations. There is so much appeal from top class hotels and places to stay, great events many of which are free, eateries and bars offering something for every style, taste bud and budget, as well as world famous beach resorts, great locations, superb facilities, shopping destinations, unique attractions which result in thousands and thousands of visitors every year.

“The role of the BTMB is to ensure we are offering visitors to the area a world class experience, and it is the people and businesses represented in the awards who allow that to happen.”

The final gala dinner event will be held at the BIC on March 9. Tickets

Are at tourism-awards.co.uk/Bournemouth/event/2017-bournemouth-tourism-awards-gala-dinner

The finalists are as follows.

Bournemouth's Best Breakfast Award: Binnies, CU Latte, English Rose Café, Fresh and Tasty, the Hungry Wolf Café.

Bar Personality of the Year Award: Ben Flewitt (Eden Bournemouth), Robert Haidau, Julezz Towers (Le Chic), Tommo Quy (Captains Club), Liam White (Cosy Club).

Bournemouth's Rising Star Award: Sarah Ali Choudhury (Easy Curry), Carl Draper (Waveslider Photography), Adam Lynk (Adam Lynk Photography), Oliver Newton (Hotel Miramar), Tom Keeping (Keeping and Co).

Afternoon Tea Award: Derby Manor Hotel, Frieda’s Tea Room, Green House Hotel, Hotel Miramar, Ventana Grand Café (Cumberland Hotel).

Unsung Hero Award: David and Jane Bailey, Ian Goode, Tim Seward, Jenni Wilkinson, Rosie Wallace.

Creative Concept of the Year Award: Business Events Bournemouth, Coastal BID, Conker Spirit, Marvo Mysteries Escape Room Bournemouth, Science Zone, Sustainable Food City.

Best Retail Experience Award: All Fired Up, Attico, Fab Frocks, Nellie Mimosa, Westbourne Bookshop.

Education Award: Capital School of English, Classroom in the Heart of Industry (CHI) Training,

Department of Tourism and Hospitality at Bournemouth University. Hengistbury Head Outdoor Centre, MLS International College.

Great Time Out Award: Bournemouth 7s, Bournemouth Jazz Festival, Marvo Mysteries Escape Room Bournemouth, RockReef and the Pier Zip, Oceanarium Bournemouth, The Shake and Stir Vintage Festival.

Large Hotel Award: Christchurch Harbour Hotel and Spa, Hallmark Hotel Bournemouth Carlton

Hilton Bournemouth, Hotel Miramar, Marsham Court Hotel.

Small Hotel Award: Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa, Cliff House Hotel, Derby Manor Hotel, Grove Hotel, Lord Bute, Number 9 Wimborne

Bournemouth's Best Night Out Award: 1812 and Bar So, Canvas, Chaplins and the Cellar Bar, Coastal Comedy, Grosvenor Casino, Mai Tai Cocktail Bar.

Transport Delivery Award: Discover Dorset, Dorset Cruises, Frieda’s Tea Bus, More Bus – Purbeck Breezer, Swanage Railway, Yellow Buses RATP Group.

Green Initiative Award: BH Live, Boscanova, Hadland Green Foundation, Marvo Mysteries Escape Room Bournemouth, RNLI Hub.

World Cuisine Award: Chicken and Blues, Koh Thai Tapas, Nativ, Noodle Bar Bournemouth

Ojo Rojo, Turtle Bay Bournemouth.

Family Eating Experience Award: Cosy Club Bournemouth, Flirt Café, Key West Bar and Grill

Koh Thai Tapas, Urban Reef Restaurant.

Specialist Dining Experience Award: Del Marcos, Koh Thai Tapas, Nativ, Ojo Rojo, Renoufs.

The 2017 awards organised in association with Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, Bournemouth English Book Centre, Bournemouth Town Centre BID, Wave 105, Berendsen, Comax UK, Bournemouth Daily Echo, Signature Catering Co., MediaWise, MMGroup, Waste Management Facilities, ROUTEpr, RT Promotions, Pothecary Gin, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Bournemouth University, Bournemouth and Poole College, Amica Live, Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce, and Templar Wines.