Awards Categories

There are 16 categories open for applications and you can apply for as many categories as you wish, subject to the eligibility criteria. 
 
The overall winners of these categories at the local level (WMTA) are automatically put forward for national judging, culminating in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence event.

You must enter your local tourism awards competition for the opportunity to progress to national judging.
 



Cross sector categories, open to all business types:

 

Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award
Recognises tourism businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences for everyone, particularly those with accessibility requirements, and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
View the eligibility criteria here


International Tourism Award

Recognises tourism businesses providing unforgettable visitor experiences for international visitors and attention to detail in all areas of the business.
View the eligibility criteria here


New Tourism Business Award

Recognises high performing new tourism businesses, demonstrating excellent understanding of their market, exceeding the expectations of their customers with clear plans for future development.
View the eligibility criteria here


Regenerative Tourism Award (former Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award)

Recognises tourism businesses committed to being sustainable, responsible and ethical in how they operate and interact with customers, the wider community and the environment.
View the eligibility criteria here

 

Business type categories:
 

Business Events Venue of the Year
Recognises business events venues that demonstrate an excellent understanding of the market, exceeding the expectations of their clients and have a strategic plan for future development within this area, with clear goals.
View the eligibility criteria here


Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park of the Year
Recognises camping, glamping, holiday parks, sites and villages providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
View the eligibility criteria here


Experience of the Year
Recognises providers of truly memorable and immersive activities for visitors to participate in.
View the eligibility criteria here


Large Hotel of the Year
Recognises full service hotels providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
View the eligibility criteria here


Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year
Recognises small hotels as well as bed & breakfast and guest house businesses providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
View the eligibility criteria here


Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Recognises self-catering accommodation businesses providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
View the eligibility criteria here


Cafe / Coffee Shop of the Year (Taste of the West Midlands)
Recognises businesses within the tourism industry that offer outstanding cuisine, innovative service and excellence throughout
their entire operation. This category focuses on cafés, coffee shops and tea rooms.
View the eligibility criteria here


Restaurant of the Year (Taste of the West Midlands)
Recognises businesses within the tourism industry that offer great cuisine,  innovative service and excellence throughout their entire operation.
View the eligibility criteria here


Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Recognises large visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
View the eligibility criteria here


Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Recognises small visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
View the eligibility criteria here

 

Local categories:
 

Tourism Event/Festival of the Year

Recognises providers of truly memorable and immersive tourism events and festivals.
View the eligibility criteria here


Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award

This award celebrates an individual, group, or team that has made an outstanding contribution to the tourism industry in our region. It recognises those who go above and beyond - whether through inspirational leadership, dedicated volunteer work, or by uplifting and empowering others working within the sector.

There is no formal entry form for this category. Instead, we welcome written nominations of up to 500 words detailing why the nominee deserves this recognition, supported by clear and specific examples of their contribution.

To submit a nomination, please email your entry to tourism@wmgrowth.com by 30th November 2025.