THE deadline for this year’s official Dorset tourism awards has been extended.

With judging of the awards due to start in July, tourism businesses across the region have been reminded of the deadline of this Sunday for submitting their entries, alongside an announcement of three specific extensions to the deadline: A one-week extension is available to any business as long as they notify Services for Tourism by email at awards@services4tourism.co.uk before midnight on Sunday. A special extension until July 7 will then be offered.

For the Outstanding Customer Service & Tourism Event and Festival categories there is a further extension until 5pm on Friday August 29.

Entry into the Dorset or South West awards not only leads to the chance of becoming a regional winner, but can also lead to success in the national Visit England awards. Businesses seeking a national accolade must first enter their local awards which act as a ‘heat’ for the national awards.

Full details of the tourism awards, along with details of how to enter, can be found at dorsettourismawards.org.uk or southwesttourismawards.org.uk