By Andrew Diprose, editor editor@dorsetbiznews.co.uk
A bumper 71 businesses are semi-finalists in this year’s Destination Management Board Tourism Awards.
Billed as the biggest – and best – awards for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s hospitality and tourism sector, their names were revealed at the new format semi-finals.
They included hotels, restaurants, attractions and events.
Sponsors, partners and award judges were treated to a drinks reception before the event at Hoburne Park, Christchurch.
Music and song was provided by Carl Tracey, pictured.
More than 120 entries were received for this year’s awards.
Welcoming 170 guests, Andy Brennan, Host and Creative Director, said: “In a time when business is tough for everyone, there’s no better light relief than getting together and celebrating a year of successes.
“As well as the actual companies, these awards are also about celebrating the people behind these businesses – people make our industry happen.”
“So my huge congratulations to all the people who have been recognised as semi-finalists.”
Craig Mathie, pictured, Chair of the Destination Management Board, said: “It is such a delight to see the very best of our local tourism industry back in a room together, celebrating our collective achievements.
“After the most challenging couple of years, it’s right that we now celebrate those businesses and individuals who have continued to prosper; promoting our wonderful destination and enhancing the offer for visitors and residents alike.”
Tim Seward, Lead delivery for the awards, said: “What an amazing night of celebration of tourism.
“It was great that we received over 120 applications for the awards and 71 businesses across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole made the semi-final grade.”
“Thank you to our host venue, Hoburne Park Christchurch, for providing an excellent drinks reception and canapes and decorating the venue fit for the semi-finals.”
Main sponsors Youth Mobility Scheme. Left to right: Paul Yang, Kota Fukumori, Melissa Law, Michele Medhurst, Guido Shillig and Yuni Onimans.
“We now look forward to the main Gala Final Awards evening on Thursday November 10 at the Pavilion Ballroom.”
Tickets for the black tie final are now on sale priced £79.50 (plus a small booking fee).
They’re available from dmb-tourismawards.co.uk/gala-evening.
The ticket price includes drinks reception, three course dinner and entertainment plus entry to the awards afterparty at Revolution Bournemouth.
Ticket sales close on October 20.
Dorset Biz News is proud to be the Official Media Partner for this year’s awards.
The full list of semi-finalists is:
Attraction of the Year Award, sponsored by The Coffee Bean Company
Adventure Wonderland
Avon Beach Ltd
Centre VR
City Cruises
Farmer Palmers
Monkey World
Rock Reef & Pier Zip
South Coast Karting
Who Dares Gyms – Shorefit
Business Tourism Award, sponsored by Holiday Inn, Bournemouth
Marsham Court Hotel
Poseidon
Who Dares Gyms – Shorefit
Cafe/Tearoom Award, sponsored by City Cruises
Cremma
Farmer Palmers Farm Park Ltd
Flamingo Café
Leo Café Ltd
Pause Cat Café
Picnic Park Deli
Tuckton Tea Gardens
Eating Out Experience Award, sponsored by Harvest Fine Foods
Brewhouse & Kitchen
DRGNFLY
Mighty Wieners
Nusara – Poole
Pause Cat Café
The Old Thatch
The Noisy Lobster
West Beach
Zim Braai – Ashley Cross
Zim Braai – Bournemouth
Education Award, sponsored by Adventure Wonderland, Bournemouth
Centre VR
The CRUMBS Project
Event of the Year, sponsored by Captain’s Club Hotel and Spa
Bournemouth 7s
Farmer Palmers
Global Rainbow – Poole, Lighthouse
Shake and Stir Festival – Stir Events CIC
Industry Support Award, sponsored by BCP Council Tourism
Bournemouth Coastal BID
Harvest Fine Foods
Sandbanks Beach
Large Hotel Award, sponsored by Cater-Elite
Captain’s Club
Hotel Miramar
Park Central Hotel
Marsham Court Hotel
The Nici
Night-time Experience Award, sponsored by Clockwork Marketing
Aruba
Brewhouse & Kitchen
Poole Hill Brewery
The Thomas Tripp
Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Tourism Award, sponsored by Waste Management Facilities
Holiday Inn, Bournemouth
Pause Cat Café
Shore Campers- Campervan hire
Retail Experience Award, sponsored by Nativ
BH6 Books & Home
Haberdasherdo
Sovereign Shopping Centre
Self-catering Award (including camping & holiday parks), sponsored by YMS – Youth Mobility Scheme
Bournemouth Beach Lodges
Brewhouse & Kitchen
Dean Park Manor – Bournecoast
Palm Court – Bournecoast
The Houseboat – Megan Cameron
The Seaside Annexe – Veronica Strongman
Small Hotel Award, sponsored by Star Quality Hospitality
Lea Hurst B&B
Lord Bute
The King’s Arms
The Rosscourt
Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Castlepoint
Bournemouth 7s Team
Farmer Palmers Team
Marsham Court Hotel Team
Sobo Brewhouse & Kitchen Team
Transformation & Innovation Award, sponsored by Trethowans
Marsham Court Hotel
Polygon Pets
West Beach
Who Dares Gyms – Shorefit
- All pictures by Paul Collins/PCVisuals.
