The Go To Places Tourism Awards 2019 have got off to a flying start!
Applications are now open in Kent and Hertfordshire, with tourism businesses across both counties beginning to complete entries for the various awards categories. Categories include Pub of the Year, Taste of England Award and Small and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.
Aligned with the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence and now in its third year, the destination management organisation Go To Places’ Tourism Awards scheme has aligned with the recently refreshed National Tourism Awards. The new format reflects innovations across England’s tourism industry including the impact of digital technology, the growing demand for experienced-based travel and tailoring tourism products and services that cater for international visitors whilst celebrating quality, innovation and best practice.
This year, the Visit Kent and Visit Herts Tourism Awards include four brand new additional categories:
• International Tourism Award
• New Tourism Business Award
• Business Events Venue of the Year
• Experience of the Year
Why enter?
• It’s free!
• Both big and small tourism businesses can be formally recognised for their excellence.
• Finalists will receive the visit of a mystery shopper
• Finalists will feature in a Visit Herts and Visit Kent social media and PR campaign. They will also gain a competitive edge through recognition of their commitment to excellence and quality standards.
• Winners automatically go through to compete in the national Awards for Excellence operated by Visit England.
Categories
• Business Events Venue of the Year
• Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
• Experience of the Year
• Large Hotel of the Year (35 bedrooms or above)
• International Tourism Award
• New Tourism Business Award
• Small Accommodation Provider of the Year (for Small Hotels, B&Bs and Guest Houses)
• Pub of the Year
• Taste of England Award
• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
How to enter? Businesses wishing to enter should visit www.gotoplaces.co.uk/tourism-awards/ and complete the relevant online entry form by midnight on Monday 15th July.
The application forms are short and easy to complete online using a dedicated management platform. This will enable county winners to progress through to the national awards without having to resubmit an entry.
Following an initial round of judging by an independent panel, all entrants will receive feedback. The winners will be decided following a visit from a mystery shopper.