FIFTY-ONE finalists have been announced for the 10th year of the Dorset Tourism Awards.

The shortlist follows a four-month judging process, with winners to be announced in a ceremony at Dorset’s Tank Museum on January 26.

Organisers say this year’s awards have taken ever-greater account of entrants’ commitments to the environment and the community, as well as digital presence.

January’s winners will be fast-tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March and could represent Dorset in the 2023 Visit England awards.

Deborah Heather, director of headline sponsor Quality in Tourism, said: “The participants in the Dorset Tourism Awards are truly inspiring, innovative and some of the most professional and customer experience orientated operators we have met. We look forward to celebrating with all the finalists and wish everyone the best of luck."

Organiser Robin Barker, of Services for Tourism, said: “In what is a tough environment for everyone it is heart-warming to read of these fabulous businesses who have continued to innovate and excel. My heartfelt congratulations to them all.”

Finalists are as follows.

Accessible and inclusive tourism award, sponsored by Bournemouth University Business School.

  • Birchcroft – Hideaway, Bournemouth
  • Dorset Museum, Dorchester
  • Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth

B&B and Guesthouse of the Year, sponsored by Goadsby

  • Kelston Guest House, Weymouth
  • The Brunswick Bed and Breakfast, Weymouth

Business Events Venue of the Year, sponsored by NFU Mutual, Bournemouth

  • Dorset Museum, Dorchester
  • Lighthouse, Poole
  • Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth

Café/Tearoom of the Year, sponsored by Clipper

  • Picnic Park Deli, Bournemouth
  • Seasons Kitchen & Coffee Barn, Ringwood
  • Taste Café at Dorset Museum, Dorchester

Camping & Caravanning Park of the Year, sponsored by Holidaymaker App

  • Bagwell Farm Touring Park, Weymouth
  • Longthorns Farm, Wareham
  • Monkton Wyld Holiday Park, Charmouth

Dog Friendly Business of the Year, sponsored by Hoseasons

  • Golden Acre Jurassic Coastal Lodges, Bridport
  • Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth

Eating Out Award, sponsored by Black Cow Vodka

  • Renoufs Cheese and Wine Bar (Wimborne) Wimborne
  • Restaurant Les Enfants Terribles, Weymouth
  • The Dorset Burger Company, Weymouth

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award, sponsored by Bournemouth Water

  • Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster
  • Green House Hotel, Bournemouth
  • The Grange at Oborne, Sherborne
    Commended: Shore Campers – Campervan Hire, St Leonards

Experience Of The Year

  • Get Lost Powerboat Training, Poole
  • Alpaca Walking Experience, Longthorns Farm, Wareham
  • Shore Campers – Campervan Hire, Bournemouth
    Commended: The Saltwater Sauna, Sandbanks

Future of Hospitality Award, sponsored by NFU Mutual, Bournemouth

Finalists to be announced at the awards.

Glamping Business of the Year, sponsored by Anytime Booking

  • Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster
  • Hollands Farmhouse Dorset, Dorchester

Holiday Park of the Year, sponsored by Tozers

  • Durdle Door Holiday Park, Lulworth
  • Hoburne Park, Christchurch

Hotel of the Year, sponsored by Mews

  • Captain’s Club Hotel, Christchurch
  • The Grange at Oborne, Sherborne
  • The King’s Arms, Dorchester
  • The PIG-on the Beach, Swanage
    Commended: Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth; RNLI College, Poole

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, sponsored by Booking.com

  • Dorset Museum, Dorchester
  • Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole
  • Lighthouse, Poole

New Tourism Business Award, sponsored by Visit Dorset

  • Coppet Hill Partners, Bridport
  • The Bide, Milton Abbas

Outstanding Contribution to Dorset Tourism, sponsored by Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Tourism

To be announced at the awards

Resilience and Innovation Award, sponsored by Saffery Champness

  • Bagwell Farm Touring Park, Weymouth
  • Lighthouse, Poole

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year, sponsored by Touch Stay

  • Burnbake Forest Lodges & Campsite, Corfe Castle
  • Hollands Farmhouse Dorset, Dorchester
  • Lulworth Holidays – Woodside Lodge, Lulworth
  • The Bide, Milton Abbas

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park, Verwood
  • Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne
  • Nothe Fort, Weymouth Tourism

 

Event/Festival of the Year

  • Inside Out Dorset 20201 – Activate Performing Arts, Dorchester
  • Sherborne Abbey Festival 2022, Sherborne
    Commended: Christmas 2021 – We are Weymouth (BID), Weymouth

Unsung Hero Award, sponsored by Moors Valley Country Park & Forest

To be announced at the awards

Winner of Winners,sponsored by Dorset LEP

To be announced at the awards