The Captains Club & Spa Hotel in Christchurch was buzzing with excitement on Thursday, 12th September, as the finalists for the 2024 Tourism Awards were announced.

The event, hosted by the vibrant Andy Brennan, brought together industry professionals, sponsors, and partners to celebrate the region’s top tourism businesses.

Guests were treated to a lively evening, with Prosecco and cocktails courtesy of Good to Know Hospitality and Midas Prosecco, while canapés were served by Captains Club.

The night’s entertainment, led by DJ Callum Hooker and saxophonist Vicky Barents, set the tone for the evening, making it a night to remember.

Industry leaders applaud finalists

Chair of DMB, Andy Lennox, expressed his enthusiasm over the large number of entries and public engagement this year: “It’s fantastic to see such a wide range of businesses represented, and the response from the public has been overwhelming, with over 3,000 votes cast.”

Richard Wade from Morebus, the main sponsor, highlighted the importance of tourism to the region and announced new buses to support the industry: “Tourism is vital to our community. It’s encouraging to see so many businesses thriving, and we’re proud to support the industry.”

Tim Seward, Lead Deliverer of the awards, said: “It’s inspiring to witness the diversity of talent and passion within our local tourism scene, and we’re proud to showcase the very best.”

2024 Tourism Awards finalists

Education Award (Sponsored by RT Promotions):

Education finalists.

• Oceanarium
• Bournemouth University

Responsible, Ethical & Sustainable Award (Sponsored by Waste Management Facilities):

Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable finalists.

• Holiday Inn Bournemouth
• Oceanarium
• Marsham Court Hotel

Nightlife Experience (Sponsored by Alliance South):

Night Life Experience finalists.

• Level 8 Sky Bar
• HSWRK
• Chaplins Cellar Bar
• Christian Orner Private Chef & Chocolatier

Cafe/Tea Room Award (Sponsored by BH Area Hospitality):

Cafe/Tearoom of the Year finalists.

• The Hutch
• Picnic Park Deli

Attraction of the Year (Sponsored by Soul Motion):

Attraction of the Year Finalists.

• Shaka Surf
• Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
• Russell Cotes Museum & Art Gallery

Best Customer Service (Sponsored by Rich Paw):

Best Customer Service Finalists.

• Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
• Holiday Inn Bournemouth
• South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park

Small Hotel Award (Sponsored by Goadsby):

Sponsors Goadsby with the certificates for Small Hotel: The Fishermans Haunt and The Kings Arms.

• Fisherman’s Haunt Christchurch
• The Kings Arms – Christchurch

Industry Support Award (Sponsored by Bournemouth Chamber of Trade and Commerce):

Industry Support finalists.

• FJB Hotels
• The Crumbs Project
• Event Temps
• Marsham Court Hotel

Eating Out Experience (Sponsored by Comax):

Eating Out Experience finalists.

• Puro Gusto
• Twelve Eatery
• Chaplins Cellar Bar & Modern Times Restaurant

Self-Catering Accommodation Award (Sponsored by Andy Brennan Creative):

Self Catering finalists.

• Riverside Park
• Bournecoast – The Penthouse
• Hoburne Bashley
• Bournecoast – The Coach House
• South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park
• Bournecoast – Dean Park Manor

Team of the Year (Sponsored by Bournemouth University Business School):

Team of the Year finalists.

• Marsham Court Hotel
• Cumberland Hotel
• Neo
• Hotel Collingwood
• Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park

Restaurant of the Year (Sponsored by Harvest Fine Foods):

Restaurant of the Year finalists.

• Neo
• Thirteen Restaurant
• Oriel on the Quay
• St Tropez Lounge & Club

Large Hotel Award (Sponsored by The Coffee Bean Company):

Large Hotel finalists.

• The Cumberland Hotel
• Hilton Bournemouth
• Holiday Inn Bournemouth
• Hotel Miramar
• Bournemouth West Cliff Hotel

Event of the Year (Sponsored by More):

Event of the Year finalists.

• Christchurch Food Festival
• Poole Harbour Festival
• Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival
• Bournemouth Writing Festival
• Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival
• Arts by the Sea Festival

Public vote categories

This year’s awards introduced public vote categories, drawing thousands of responses.

Rising Star Award (Sponsored by The Fired Up Collective):

Rising Star finalists.

• Matthew Bridgen, South Lytchett Manor Caravan & Camping Park
• Carly Jervis Goode, La Mias Restaurant
• Severine Seweryn, St Tropez Lounge & Club

Tourism Business of the Year (Sponsored by More):

Tourism Business of the Year finalists

• Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
• Poole Harbour Festival
• The Hutch
• Oriel on the Quay
• Bournemouth Writing Festival
• Picnic Park Deli
• Twelve Eatery

The winners will be announced on Friday, 8th November 2024, at the Hilton Hotel Bournemouth. Tickets for the event go on sale on Saturday, 14th September and can be purchased from the DMB Tourism Awards website.