Worcestershire is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. The county’s tourism and hospitality businesses have been playing a vital role in promoting the region’s unique charm to visitors from far and wide. With the 2025/26 Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards now open, organisations across the county can apply to be considered for these prestigious accolades.
- The awards are given for acclaimed attractions, hospitality venues, and innovative new tourism products.
- Businesses will also have the opportunity to represent Worcestershire at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, a national recognition of excellence in tourism and hospitality.
The awards aim to recognise outstanding businesses that make Worcestershire’s visitor economy thrive. Lorna Robinson, visitor economy and destination manager at Visit Worcestershire, believes that these awards are essential in promoting the county’s tourism and hospitality industry. She stated: “These awards not only recognise the outstanding businesses that make our visitor economy thrive but also provide incredible PR and exposure, with finalists gaining local and national recognition.”
Some of the categories up for grabs this year include:
- Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
- Business Events Venue of the Year
- Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
- Experience of the Year
- Festival and Event of the Year
- Large Hotel of the Year
- Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
- New Tourism Business of the Year
- Pub of the Year
- Regenerative Tourism Award
- Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
- Small Hotel of the Year/Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year
- Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Taste of Worcestershire Award
- Unsung Hero Award
Last year’s winners have seen significant benefits, including:
| Benefits | Examples |
| Increased visibility | Winner of the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award gained increased media coverage, with features in local and national newspapers and magazines. |
| New business opportunities | Winner of the Pub of the Year secured new business partnerships and expanded their operations. |
| Accredited quality assurance | Winner of the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year received accreditation from a leading quality assurance scheme. |
| Boosted staff morale | Winner of the Experience of the Year reported a significant increase in staff morale and job satisfaction. |
Applications for the 2025/26 Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards are now open and will close on June 9. Businesses will find out if they have been shortlisted for the awards by the end of August this year. The awards will be announced in March 2026. Worcestershire’s tourism and hospitality businesses have been playing a vital role in promoting the region’s unique charm to visitors. The awards provide a valuable opportunity for businesses to be recognised for their outstanding achievements and to gain valuable exposure. As Lorna Robinson said, “We can’t wait to see this year’s applicants and uncover more brilliant businesses showcasing Worcestershire’s excellence in tourism and hospitality.”
The 2025/26 Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards will not only recognise the outstanding businesses that make Worcestershire’s visitor economy thrive but also provide a platform for businesses to represent the county at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. This national recognition is a testament to the county’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. By applying for the 2025/26 Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to excellence and showcase their unique products and services. The awards provide a valuable opportunity for businesses to gain recognition, new business opportunities, accredited quality assurance, and boosted staff morale. Worcestershire is a county with a rich history and a thriving tourism and hospitality industry. The 2025/26 Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards provide a platform for businesses to be recognised for their outstanding achievements and to gain valuable exposure. By supporting these awards, businesses can play a vital role in promoting the region’s unique charm and showcasing Worcestershire’s excellence in tourism and hospitality. In conclusion, the 2025/26 Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards offer a unique opportunity for businesses to be recognised for their outstanding achievements and to gain valuable exposure. By applying for these awards, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to excellence and showcase their unique products and services. Visit Worcestershire is urging all businesses in the county to apply for the 2025/26 Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your business and gain valuable recognition. Apply now and be part of Worcestershire’s thriving tourism and hospitality industry.
