Businesses in Worcestershire’s tourism and hospitality sector are being invited to put themselves forward for the 2025/26 Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards.
- Organisations have until June 9 to submit their applications for the awards, which will be announced in March 2026.
- The awards are open to businesses that offer a range of tourism experiences, from hotels and visitor attractions to self-catering accommodation and camping and glamping sites.
- Applications will be considered in seven categories, including:
- 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
- Other categories include:
- 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
- Businesses that make significant contributions to the local economy and provide a high level of service to visitors are encouraged to apply.
According to Lorna Robinson, visitor economy and destination manager at Visit Worcestershire, the awards serve multiple purposes. They not only recognize outstanding businesses but also provide a platform for them to gain local and national recognition, as well as increased visibility and new business opportunities.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award | Businesses that provide accessible and inclusive tourism experiences for visitors with disabilities. |
| Business Events Venue of the Year | Businesses that offer exceptional event hosting and hospitality services. |
| Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year | Businesses that provide high-quality camping, glamping, and holiday park facilities. |
| Experience of the Year | Breathtaking experiences that visitors can enjoy in Worcestershire. |
| Festival and Event of the Year | Businesses that organize and host successful festivals and events. |
| Large Hotel of the Year | High-end hotels that provide exceptional accommodations and services. |
| Large Visitor Attraction of the Year | Established attractions that showcase Worcestershire’s rich history and culture. |
“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.
These benefits can be seen in the achievements of last year’s winners, who have reported increased visibility, new business opportunities, accredited quality assurance, and boosted staff morale.
Businesses will find out if they have been shortlisted for the awards by the end of August this year. This provides an opportunity for those shortlisted to prepare for the Visit England Awards for Excellence, where Worcestershire secured two national finalists in 2025.
Organisations can submit their applications online or by post, and the deadline for submissions is June 9. Visit Worcestershire will review all applications and select finalists in July.
By participating in the Worcestershire Tourism Awards, businesses can showcase their excellence and represent Worcestershire at the national level. This can lead to increased exposure, new business opportunities, and a boost to the local economy.
Businesses that make significant contributions to the local economy and provide a high level of service to visitors are encouraged to apply.
