Businesses from across the county came together last week for the 11th annual Dorset Tourism Awards at Weymouth Pavilion.

Around 260 winners and sponsors were there to celebrate the industry bouncing back from Covid and returning to pre-pandemic numbers.

Guests heard an introductory speech from Dr Kate Adie, newly appointed president of the Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England.

She shone a light on her experiences of memorable visitor welcomes even during tough times, sharing how much tourism matters as an industry, even if it doesn’t always get the recognition it should.

Rosanna Dean won the Unsung Hero award

Then it was time for the ceremony, which saw a grand total of 65 trophies handed out – including a Winner of Winners award to Dorset Museum, an Unsung Hero award to Rosanna Dean from The Tank Museum, and a Future of Hospitality award to Marsham Court Hotel.

Co-organiser Nell Barrington of Services for Tourism said: “It’s been a fabulous evening celebrating with the best tourism and hospitality businesses in Dorset.

“Congratulations to every one of them not only for their award this evening but for everything they do, all day every day.”

Dorset Museum were crowned Winner of Winners

And from fellow organiser Robin Barker: “I want to add my congratulations to businesses that have literally wowed our independent judges.

“To deliver excellence in these times is a huge testament to their commitment and dedication.”

Winning businesses will now be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March and could even land a spot in the national VisitEngland awards later this year.

• For the full list of winners, visit dorsettourismawards.org.uk/winners

To get the best of Dorset Biz News straight to your inbox every week, sign up for our newsletter!