ROLL up for the Bournemouth Tourism Awards.

Hotels, shops, attractions, restaurants and other businesses involved in the tourism industry are being invited to enter and attend this year’s gala event next month.

The annual celebration of the resort’s leisure industry will be held at the O2 Academy in Boscombe on November 22.

And, as well as urging those to enter, they are promising a night to remember for those that attend.

As well as the new Daily Echo People’s Choice Award, there will be awards in a host of categories.

James Eels, pictured, chairman of Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, said: “Everyone knows business is tough at present, but entering a category at the Bournemouth Tourism Gala Awards evening gives tourism businesses the chance to put their head above the parapet, to stand out from the competition.

“The tourism industry in Bournemouth is amongst the very top in the UK, competition here is stiff. To win here shows everyone you are outstanding and it’s a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements of your team. I’d encourage anyone who has a business in the tourism and hospitality sector to enter a category.”

For one night only, the O2 Academy will go back to its roots and be transformed into a Victorian circus arena with performances from fire-jugglers, aerial performers and silk artists, along with displays of strength from Victorian strongmen.

Featured in the line-up will be Amazing Ari, who has wowed audiences around the globe with his aerial circus skills while the Acrochaps body-balancers are astounding in equal measure for both their muscles and moustaches.

Also on the bill is contortionist Iona, who, when she appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, Simon Cowell described her “absolutely, utterly spell-binding”.

Entertainment will continue with live music from cover band BB3, followed by a disco.

The Categories

  • Large/medium hotel of the year (more than 35 bedrooms)
  • Small hotel or guest accommodation of the year (under 50 bedrooms)
  • Best shopping experience of the year
  • Best evening experience of the year
  • Tourism attraction experience of the year
  • Outstanding customer service of the year
  • Taste of Bournemouth restaurant or bistro of the year
  • Self catering, camping and caravanning establishment of the year
  • Tourism marketing initiative of the year
  • Tourism transport of the year
  • Contribution to international education and conference and business experience of the year
  • Deadline for entry is October 18. Simply download a form from www.bournemouth.co.uk/business/tourism-awards-2012.
  • Tickets cost £45 per head, if booked before November 1, or £50 thereafter.
  • To book your tickets and to find out more information, email amy.habgood@bournemouth.gov.uk or call 01202 451751.