Finalists revealed for Dorset Tourism Awards

The Finalists have been announced for this year’s Dorset Tourism Awards which will be presented in Weymouth Pavilion on 1 February 2024. 

62 finalists have been announced for this year’s Dorset Tourism Awards following five months of judging.  All will be in suspense until the Awards Ceremony in Weymouth Pavilion, when they will learn whether they have won Gold, Silver or Bronze awards. A further three special awards will also be announced and eight will be rewarded with Commended status.  We are delighted that Dr Kate Adie, CBE President of Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England will be joining us on the night as our guest speaker.

The annual competition is now in its 11th year, with changes every year to categories and criteria, reflecting the constant innovation and reinvention across the industry.  This year’s awards took ever greater account of entrants’ commitment to accessibility and inclusion, including mental health, as well as the environment and community.  The awards organisers were also pleased to retain their own ‘Outstanding’ accreditation in the Awards TrustMark scheme.

Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony in Weymouth Pavilion on 1 February 2024, with successful businesses in most categories fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March 2024 and possibly invited to represent Dorset in the 2024 national VisitEngland Awards.

Award categories cover everything from dog friendly, new tourism business, and accessible and inclusive tourism to restaurants, glamping, hotels and pubs. A Winner of Winners title, an Unsung Hero award and a special Future of Hospitality award will also be presented on the night.

A number of Jurassic Coast Trust members are named as finalists for this year’s awards, including:

Dorset Museum
Finalists in: Accessible and inclusive Tourism Award (sponsored by Bournemouth University Business School) ; Business Events Venue of the Year (sponsored by NFU Mutual Bournemouth) ; Large Visitor Attraction of the Year (sponsored by Baboo Gelato); Wedding Venue of the Year (sponsored by Touch Stay)

Coppet Hill Camping and Glamping
Finalists in: Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year (sponsored by Anytime Booking)

Burnbake Forest Larges and Campsite
Commended in: Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year (sponsored by Anytime Booking)

Highlands End Holiday Park
Finalists in: Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award (sponsored by Saffery) ; Holiday Park of the Year (sponsored by Tozers)

Durdle Door Holiday Park
Finalists in: Holiday Park of the Year (sponsored by Tozers)