TALENT, hard work and enterprise were rewarded at this year's Daily Echo Bournemouth Tourism Awards 2007.

The awards recognised those who strive to make Bournemouth's tourism industry among the best in the world - including hoteliers, family attractions, the voluntary sector and Bournemouth's restaurants, night-clubs and bars.

The glittering Oscars-style ceremony was attended by key figures including Bournemouth mayor Cllr Anne Filer and deputy mayor Bob Chapman.

It was presented by travel editor Simon Calder in the Solent hall of Bournemouth International Centre on Wednesday night.

Simon, described as TV's Mr Holiday, who has worked on the BBC's Holiday programme and penned the best selling Travellers' Survival Kit series, described some rather less salubrious tourist attractions he has spotted around the world.

They included a German hotel whose name translated as hay' and a bar which attempted to lure in English tourists with a sign reading "A pint and a fight".

There were three finalists in each of the 18 categories. The final award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism went to the BIC and Pavilion Theatre, which was also highly commended in Best Evening Experience - Entertainment of the Year and Outstanding Customer Service of the Year.

The winner of Best Shopping Experience - Independent /Speciality Store of the Year went to new age shop Amethyst while the winner of Best Shopping Experience - chain/department store went to Marks & Spencer which was also highly commended for Sustainable Tourism Initiative of the Year.

Top in Medium Hotel/Guest Accommodation of the Year was the Whitehall Hotel, winner in the Small Hotel/Guest Accommodation of the Year was the Balincourt while Large Hotel of the Year was won by Bournemouth's Highcliff Marriott.

One success story of the evening was Farmer Palmer's Park Farm Ltd which won Outstanding Customer Service of the year and Tourist attraction of the year.

Tourism entrepreneur of the year was won by Alison Wood for the free Bournemouth magazine Listed.

Small hotel of the year was The Balincourt Head of tourism Mark Smith said afterwards: "Every year the quality gets higher, I think because the visitors' expectations rise every year.

"There's lots of other people who want to take our business so it is fortunate that the companies and businesses here tonight are doing so much to make sure Bournemouth stays the country's top resort.

"It's an interesting mix here tonight - not just companies and council organisations but volunteers who are all acknowledged here this evening.

"Tourism is not just about attractions and hotels but it's also about transport, eating out and the environment."