THE Dorset Tourism Awards are back – and this year there are brand new categories.

Businesses are invited to enter the awards before the deadline of midnight on June 16.

Organisers said 2016 was a record year for the event, with more than 600 entries and 135 winners.

This year there is a new Guided Tour category for tours on land and water, new awards for Spa & Wellbeing, Active and Sporting Experience and Artistic, Cultural & Learning Experience. There are also criteria changes for Hotels, Holiday Parks and Visitor Information Service. Other categories include Glamping, Self Catering, Dog Friendly, Access & Inclusivity, B&Bs, Cafes, Pubs, Restaurants, B&Bs, Attractions, Business Tourism, Customer Service, Sustainable Tourism & Events & Festivals.

Organiser of the awards Robin Barker said: “Like any good tourism business the Awards continue to evolve and develop and this year is no exception. Last year saw record entries as well as wide-ranging feedback, and we look forward to working closely with entrants in helping them stay at the forefront of quality tourism.”

The call for nominations came just days after Dorset’s success in the final event of the 2016/17 awards when The Anchor at Seatown was amongst the top winners in the national VisitEngland awards. This was in addition to Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, Dorset House Boutique B&B, both of which were national finalists.

Headline sponsors Saffery Champness partner Nick Fernyhough said: “Tourism remains a key area of the Dorset economy despite ongoing economic uncertainty. It will be interesting to see if Brexit will provide a welcome boost for UK tourism and make this sector even more important. We are delighted to be the headline sponsor for the fourth consecutive year and celebrating these prestigious Awards which recognise and reward excellence in this essential sector.”

There’s plenty of time to get your entries in, but businesses are encouraged to start preparing now and not leave it to the last minute. Entry is free, the programmes are funded by a range of sponsors and partners, and all entrants receive feedback.

For more information visit www.dorsettourismawards.org.uk

You can also follow the awards on Twitter @swtourismawards