All Businesses

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award (VE) sponsored by WECIL
Recognises tourism businesses that excel in providing an inclusive customer experience, particularly for those with accessibility requirements.

Age Friendly Tourism Business of the Year sponsored by Age UK Somerset
Local charity Age UK Somerset has been helping to make life better for older people since 1948! This Award recognises and celebrates those tourism businesses who have considered the needs of older visitors and go out of their way to create a positive experience for those in later life.

Dog Friendly Business of the Year
Recognises providers of truly memorable experiences for dogs and their human companions.

Innovative Employer Award
This award recognises  tourism and hospitality businesses that have a commitment to and are innovative in bringing new recruits into the industry and supporting their development. This could include the recruitment of those in schools, apprenticeships or those with learning difficulties or with a background in care, homeless or other challenging backgrounds that are now now retraining.

International Tourism Awards (VE) sponsored by Bristol Airport
Recognises tourism businesses providing unforgettable visitor experiences for international visitors and attention to detail in all areas of the business.

New Tourism Business Award (VE) sponsored by VisitWest
Recognises high performing new tourism businesses, demonstrating excellent understanding of their market, exceeding the expectations of their customers with clear plans for future development. Businesses must have been trading for a minimum of three months and maximum of two years as at 1 April 2026.

Regenerative Tourism Award (VE)
Recognises tourism businesses that work to increase the positive impact of tourism by aiming to leave a place better than before; demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and championing a regenerative approach through environmental initiatives such as using renewable energy and/or rewilding projects, or through social initiatives such as community engagement programmes.

Unsung Hero Award (VE)
Recognises an individual working for a tourism business who excels in their role and deserves to be applauded for their work and commitment to the industry.  They will:

• be an individual rather than a team
• nominated by a colleague or by a local awards competition judge
• demonstrate commitment, passion and enthusiasm for their work and the tourism industry, exceeding expectations and inspiring their colleagues
• work in any area of the business; does not need to be in a customer-facing job role
• be unlikely to be a business owner or a senior manager
• or may be new to the tourism industry or have worked in the industry for some time.