Deadline looming for prestigious Tourism and Culture Awards

The deadline for entries for Coventry and Warwickshire’s first ever Tourism and Culture Awards has been extended - and been given added prestige.

The glittering awards ceremony will take place at the Ricoh Arena on Thursday September 24 to celebrate the region’s diverse attractions and venues and honour those which provide the best experience.

Seventeen titles are up for grabs including Tourism Event of the Year (sponsored by Warwickshire County Council), Best Retailer, Best Small Hotel, Best Pub and Best Experience, and entrants can apply online via the www.tourismandcultureawards.co.uk website. The deadline to enter is now July 31.

Winners on the night could also be entered into the annual Visit England Awards for Excellence - one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in culture and tourism.

The Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Quidem, which owns Touch FM, Rugby FM and Oak FM, are organising the event which also has backing from Warwickshire County Council, the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership and Coventry City Council.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses in our thriving tourism, leisure and culture sector to put themselves in the spotlight.

“Winning an award of this type would bring added profile and should, therefore, drive greater visitor numbers.

“The fact the deadline has now been extended gives even more businesses and attractions the opportunity to put themselves forward and with the added prestige of the chance to be entered into the Visit England Awards it should act as a catalyst for more organisations to get involved.”

Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Warwickshire County Council leader, said: "Our arts, culture, heritage and leisure destinations create a vibrant tourism economy that is the envy of many. More than 23.5 million day and night trips are taken in Coventry and Warwickshire annually and we should celebrate the popularity of our region.”

The full list of categories are: Best Pub, Best B&B or Inn, Small Hotel of the Year, Large Hotel of the Year, Best Restaurant, Best Experience, Best Venue for Music, Arts & Theatre, Best Retailer, Rising Star, Customer Service Award, Culture Award, Kids and Families Award, The History & Heritage Award, The Bright Idea Award, Young Tourism Award, Business Tourism Award and Tourism Event of the Year.