Finalists revealed for 2025 West Midlands Tourism Awards
The finalists for the 2025 West Midlands Tourism Awards have been shortlisted, with a strong field of applications whittled down to 37 of the region’s top tourism attractions and businesses competing across 14 categories.
Businesses from across the region’s visitor economy – including accommodation, arts, business events, food & drink, visitor attraction and heritage – will be aiming for success in categories such as International Tourism Award, Café/Coffee Shop of the Year and Large Hotel of the Year.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held on March 18, 2025, at Edgbaston Stadium, where they will be entered into the annual VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for a chance to be recognised at a national level.
The awards are delivered by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) – the region’s destination management agency and lead for the new West Midlands Destination Development Partnership.
Andrew Lovett OBE, chair of the West Midlands Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board, said:
“The West Midlands Tourism Awards have become a highlight in my calendar. They provide a fabulous and welcome public opportunity to say thank you to the people who achieve such great things – pushing the bar ever higher to serve visitors to our region with wonderful memories. As ever, I am especially in awe of independent tourism and hospitality business owners. The stakes are high for them, and they often lead the way with exceptional visitor, delegate, guest, and diner experiences.
“With the West Midlands firmly fixing its position at the heart of sport in the UK, after high-profile global fixtures and tournaments this year, it feels absolutely right to host the awards ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium. I know they will put on a great show.
“Congratulations and thank you to everyone who put their venue to the test by putting themselves forward for an award this year. The nominees can be particularly proud of reaching the shortlist.”
Significant highlights in the West Midlands this year have included major sporting events such as the FISE Xperience in Wolverhampton and the international esports tournament ESL One in Solihull. More than 1,700 delegates from 65 countries also attended the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit in Birmingham. 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, while Walsall Arboretum (150) and Cadbury (200) also celebrated landmark milestones earlier in the year.
More people visited the West Midlands last year than ever before, with the region attracting 145.4 million tourists in 2023, an increase of more than four million people from the previous 12 months. Tourism currently contributes £16.3 billion to the region’s economy, supporting 143,988 jobs.
For information on sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 West Midlands Tourism Awards, contact tourism@wmgrowth.com.
The finalists for the 2025 West Midlands Tourism Awards are;
Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award
Birmingham Hippodrome
British Motor Museum
St Mary's Guildhall
Business Events Venue of the Year
Conference Aston
Coventry Building Society Arena
The Eastside Rooms
thestudio…
Café/Coffee Shop of the Year
Baxter Baristas @ Jordan Well
Gilks' Garage Café
The Two Mugs
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Riverside Cabins
School Farm Holidays
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
Conference Aston
Riverside Cabins
The Grand Hotel Birmingham
Experience of the Year
Go Cotswolds - Cotswolds in a Day Tour
Grain & Glass - A World of Whisky
National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham - VIP Otter Experience
International Tourism Award
Coventry Cathedral
Coventry Transport Museum
St Mary's Guildhall
Large Hotel of the Year
Mallory Court Hotel & Spa
Moxy Birmingham NEC
The Grand Hotel, Birmingham
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Alderford Lake
Black Country Living Museum
Ikon Gallery
Shakespeare's Birthplace
New Tourism Business of the Year
Hotel Indigo Coventry
Kington Grange
The Weird Walk of Warwick
Restaurant of the Year
Brightsmith on the Water
Fazenda Birmingham
Orelle
The Bower House
Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Alscot Estate
Ironbridge View Townhouse
Kington Grange
Marrington Escapes
Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year
Achill Guest House and Spa
Goldstone Hall Hotel & Gardens
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Grain & Glass
Sabrina Tours Ltd.
St Mary's Guildhall
