Over 130 guests gathered at the Captain's Club Hotel & Spa on Thursday 17th September 2026 for the official announcement of the finalists for the DMB Tourism Awards 2026.

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The evening brought together tourism and hospitality businesses, sponsors, judges, industry representatives and supporters from across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to celebrate another year of outstanding achievement across the local visitor economy.

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Guests were treated to a selection of drinks supplied by Tolchards, alongside a range of delicious canapés provided by local suppliers, creating an informal and celebratory evening ahead of the highly anticipated awards finals in November.

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The event was hosted by Andy Brennan, with speeches from Andy Lennox, Chair of the Destination Management Board, and Richard Wade, General Manager of More Bus, the awards' main sponsor for the fourth consecutive year.

Andy Lennox said:

"It is great to be back for these awards. It is such a great place to live and work, and it is people like tonight's entrants who make the area what it is.

"We have so much to offer, from our beaches and open water to our shops and the New Forest nearby to enjoy. These awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise the people and businesses who work so hard to make our destination such a special place."

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Richard Wade, General Manager of More Bus, said:

"It's great to be the main sponsor again this year. More Bus has so much to offer and, with children travelling free over the school holidays and £1 night bus routes, it has been even easier this year to fill our buses."

 

The evening also included an emotional announcement from Tim Seward, deliverer of the DMB Tourism Awards, who revealed that after five years he will be stepping down from his role following the November 2026 finals. Tim reflected on the remarkable growth of the awards since the difficult period following the Covid pandemic and thanked the many people who have helped make the awards what they are today.

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He said:

"It has been amazing to see how the awards have grown over the last five years, particularly coming out of Covid.

 

"I am incredibly grateful to every entrant, sponsor and judge who has supported the awards, as well as the DMB Chairs, our hosts and everyone who has worked behind the scenes to make these awards happen.

"The awards have become a very special part of my life, and while I will be stepping down after the November finals, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together."