West Midlands Tourism Awards launch
THE outstanding tourism businesses that are bringing the world to the West Midlands will be celebrated at a new awards show.
The venues, experiences, accommodation and people putting the region on the international map will be recognised at the inaugural West Midlands Tourism Awards, which launches this week.
The awards also aim to attract more visitors, events and investment to the region.
They are free to enter, with the ceremony taking place in February 2020.
Tourism already contributes more than £12 billion to the regional economy, while major events on the horizon include Coventry City of Culture 2021 and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
Everyone from small visitor attractions to international destinations are recognised across 15 award categories, and there’s even a prize for Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park of the Year.
Nicola Hewitt, Commercial Director, of awards organiser the West Midlands Growth Company, (WMGC), said: “The West Midlands Tourism Awards will help local companies to make their mark, by winning recognition from industry peers.
“The awards also give us an opportunity to celebrate the region as a unique, engaging destination, and highlight the critical role that tourism plays in its economic success.
“We wholeheartedly encourage everyone involved in the tourism sector to join us in celebrating this vibrant industry.”
The awards will also highlight the importance of tourism’s contribution to the regional economy.
The WMGC seeks to grow this figure over the coming 10 years, using major events such as the City of Culture and Commonwealth Games as springboards.
With Reach plc and destination partners, the regional competition will crown the 15 winners who will have the opportunity to attend the national Awards for Excellence in June 2020.
VisitEngland has updated its awards scheme to reflect the innovations in tourism over the past decade, including the growing demand for experiential tourism, innovation in digital technology, and increasing access to the international market.
The West Midlands Tourism Awards website is open for nominations and sponsorship opportunities. The awards will be independently judged, with all entrants receiving feedback.