AWARD CATEGORIES FOR 2026
The number of confirmed categories for the 2026 DMB Tourism Awards are yet to be confirmed.
The awards are open to businesses directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area.
Applications should cover the operating period from July 2025 to July 2026. Minimum operating period is 12 months. ​
APPLICATIONS FOR 2026
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Businesses are also encouraged to enter the Dorset Tourism Awards, which have a huge range of categories and importantly offer the chance for onward nomination to the national VisitEngland awards – 2026 entries opening date and deadline are soon to be announced.
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Please scroll down for information on the different categories & their sponsors
INDEPENDENT
LARGE HOTEL
This award recognises full-service independent (unbranded) hotels providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business, including the provision of extensive facilities.
Businesses will normally offer a minimum of 35 bedrooms.
BRANDED
LARGE HOTEL
This award recognises full-service branded hotels providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business, including the provision of extensive facilities.
Businesses will normally offer a minimum of 35 bedrooms.
SMALL HOTEL
This award recognises small, serviced accommodation businesses, including bed and breakfast and guest house businesses, providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
(Normally offering less than 35 bedrooms)
SELF CATERING
This category recognises self-catering accommodation businesses, including cottages, houses, historic properties (or part thereof), holiday boats, barn conversions, hostels, apartments and serviced apartments. Also included are holiday parks and villages that may provide a mix of caravan holiday homes, lodges, chalets and touring and camping pitches that provide leisure facilities and food and drink outlets. All businesses must provide truly memorable guest experiences, demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
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PLEASE NOTE A business with multiple properties across different locations is not eligible to apply in its entirety. This includes agencies. However, an application may be completed for a specific location (on a single site) if it is clearly identified within any marketing e.g. website
INDUSTRY LEADER
The Industry Leader award recognises an exceptional individual that have demonstrated outstanding leadership within the Tourism sector. This award highlights those who set the standard for innovation, vision, and influence. Whether through pioneering new initiatives, driving significant growth, or making meaningful contributions to the industry, the recipient of this award has shown exemplary commitment and leadership, inspiring others and shaping the future of their field.
NIGHT LIFE
EXPERIENCE
This award recognises bars and nightclubs that can demonstrate that they have that magic combination that you ‘can’t quite put your finger on’ but which keeps the customer coming back time after time, encouraging visitors to keep returning to the destination and supporting the tourism economy. Businesses would typically be open between 5pm - 3am and will need to demonstrate a warm welcome, attention to safety and wellbeing, a clean and well-presented interior, and a good choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Additional plus points could be scored for cocktails, flaring, mixology, and additional wellbeing features such as ‘Ask for Angela’ or promotions to reduce harm
TEAM OF THE YEAR
This award will celebrate the achievements of teams who have been able to adapt and work effectively under the challenges posed during the last 18 months.
The award is open to both applications and nominations and must demonstrate that the team has contributed something special and unique to tourism in the BCP area, showing commitment, passion and enthusiasm for their work and exceeding the expectations of those around them.
RESTAURANT
OF THE YEAR
Restaurants that offer outstanding cuisine,
and excellence throughout their operation.
WEDDING VENUE
This award honors a venue that consistently provides an outstanding environment for couples to celebrate their special day. The winner is chosen for their exceptional service, beautiful settings, and commitment to creating the perfect wedding experience. Whether it’s the stunning décor, the quality of service, or the venue's overall atmosphere, this award recognises the venue that has gone above and beyond in delivering an unforgettable wedding experience for couples and their guests.
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE
Best Customer Service award celebrates the business or individual that consistently delivers exceptional service, going above and beyond to meet the needs of their customers. This award recognises those who provide a personal touch, create memorable experiences, and exceed expectations. Whether through excellent communication, problem-solving, or creating an atmosphere of true outstanding service, the recipient has made a positive and lasting impact on their customers, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated at every touchpoint.
EVENT OF THE YEAR
This award recognises providers of truly memorable and immersive tourism events. Events should make a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area. Online events are welcome to enter as long as they are able to demonstrate a contribution to the local economy.
EATING OUT EXPERIENCE
Businesses that offer a more casual dining experience with excellence throughout their service such as bistro, pizza restaurant casual, fish and chip restaurants, grills etc.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE
The People’s Choice – Tourism Business award gives the public a voice in recognising a tourism business that stands out for its exceptional service, dedication, and impact on visitors. This award celebrates the business that has earned the admiration and loyalty of its customers, who have taken the time to nominate and vote for it.
Whether it's a hotel, tour operator, restaurant, or any other tourism-related service, the winner of this award has created an outstanding experience that resonates with visitors, leaving them eager to return and recommend the business to others. It’s a true reflection of the community’s appreciation and support for the business’s contribution to the tourism industry.