DORSET businesses are being encouraged to enter the 2018 Bournemouth and Poole Tourism Awards before the upcoming deadline on January 10.

The BAPTAs celebrate the achievements of tourism businesses and individuals from across the BH postcode region.

The awards have seen year on year growth and have become the most successful awards across the south and a must in the business event calendar and this year’s event is set to be bigger and better than ever, with the finals at their new home - The Lighthouse in Poole.

The awards offer businesses great PR, a chance to shout loud and proud about their successes, and to celebrate the achievements and the efforts of their hard-working teams who contribute to making them successful year on year.

You can nominate too – have you been impressed by customer service, been ‘wowed’ by a meal in a local restaurant or feel an independent retailer deserves special recognition?

The 19 categories include ‘New Business of the Year’ and the ‘Self-Catering Accommodation Award’. It only takes a few minutes to nominate, so if you run a worthy business, you can nominate at www.bapta.co.uk/categories.

Jackie Phillipson from BAPTAs and ROUTEpr, said: "The stunning coastline brings together this world class destination and beautiful resort, with a year-round appeal, mild weather, glorious miles of beaches, and lots to do with thriving businesses, independent shops, amazing events and much more.

"The BAPTAs recognise businesses, restaurants, hotels, shops, attractions, events and the people who make the destination what it is - so get involved."

The awards close for entries on January 10, 2018. For more information, or to enter the awards, visit www.bapta.co.uk.

The 2018 categories are:

• Large Hotel Award

• Small Hotel Award

• Self-Catering Accommodation Award (New!)

• Specialist Dining Experience Award

• International Cuisine Experience Award

• Family Eating Experience Award

• Best Retail Experience Award

• Great Time Out Award

• BAPTAs Best Night Out Award

• Creative Concept of the Year Award

• Unsung Hero Award

• Transport Delivery Award

• Education Award

• BAPTAs Best Breakfast Award

• BAPTAs Rising Star Award

• Bar Personality of the Year Award

• Afternoon Tea Award

• Green Initiative Award

• New Business of the Year Award (New!)