A total of 37 finalists were shortlisted by expert judges, with 12 winners being awarded for their service to the sector.

Sponsored by Love to Visit, the glamorous awards evening, hosted by award-winning comedian and author, Dominic Holland, took place at the stunning Stanbrook Abbey Hotel. The event attracted over 200 guests and included a Worcestershire inspired menu.

Two years since the industry was forced to close due to the pandemic, the evening represented a chance to commemorate the resilience and determination of all tourism businesses across the county.

The winners will now be automatically put forward to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for the chance for Worcestershire businesses to be highlighted at a national level.

The Chamber were delighted to be sponsors of the New Tourism Business of the Year Category, received by Rowley Farm Holidays. Rowley Farm Holidays were also awarded the Winner of Winner’s Award for their excellent accommodation offering and great contribution to net-zero targets. The accolade was a surprise award to the evening acknowledging the highest scoring finalist and outstanding feedback from the judging process.

Dominique Bray, Business Growth Manager for Visit Worcestershire said:

“We are delighted with the success of our first inaugural Tourism Awards at Stanbrook Abbey. We could not have asked for better feedback from the guests in attendance, which is a great reflection on the work and effort put in by the Visit Worcestershire team. I am truly thrilled for all our winners and those who received ‘highly commended’. We are all looking forward to seeing how far the winners progress at the national Awards in June.”

The awards ceremony was the first to be hosted by the new Visit Worcestershire team and the event is now set to be an annual occasion in the tourism annual calendar.

Entries for the next year’s Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards are set to open in April and Visit Worcestershire are asking all tourism and hospitality businesses in the county to get involved.

Further details will be announced via the Visit Worcestershire website and on relevant social media channels.