We’re known as the Coast with the Most – and these are the awards that prove it.

The Destination Management Board (DMB) Tourism Awards are back for 2023.

Entries are now open for the awards which celebrate tourism businesses in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole delivering true excellence.

Organisers, partners. sponsors, previous winners and supporters joined in the launch celebrations at The Kings Arms in Christchurch.

Morebus is this year’s main sponsor.

There are 19 categories and Sunday July 2 is the closing date for entries.

Full details can be found on the awards website by clicking here.

Andy Lennox, DMB’s Vice Chair, pictured, said: “The DMB awards are the premier awards in this conurbation and we are delighted to see them back again.

“With an ever more robust judging process, and a more streamlined awards system, we are confident that these will become the awards to win for any business operation in the area.

“We encourage everyone to apply.

“They are free to enter and the recognition and coverage for the winners and finalists is immense.

“A big thank you to everyone that makes these awards possible.”

Tim Seward has been asked back to lead and deliver this year’s awards.

Tim, pictured with host Andy Brennan, said: “We’ve made some changes which will improve the awards.

“All applicants will get a visit/call or mystery shop.

“On Wednesday, September 13, all those attending will know whether they have made it through to the final.

“It’s set to include a boat cruise with City Cruises with an international musician on board.

“The finalists will be announced at Hennings Wharf, the new event space on Poole Quay, after the cruise.

“The finals return to Bournemouth Pavilion on Thursday November 9 when the theme will be carnival celebration.

“The event will be truly unmissable and full of colour and celebration.”

The BIGLITTLE Theatre School provided the entertainment at the launch, showcasing a selection of songs from their forthcoming show ‘Broadway Showtunes’.

It is staged at the Bournemouth Pavilion from July 13 to 15.

Andy Brennan said: “I am delighted to have been asked to return as the Host/Compere for the 2023 DMB Tourism Awards.

“It was great to host the launch of these amazing awards at The Kings Arms.

“I can’t wait to host the announcement of finalists in September in Poole and the final Gala dinner at the Pavilion Ballroom in November.”

Nikki Honer, Head of Marketing and Communications at Morebus, pictured left, said: “We are delighted to be the main sponsor of these awards.

“We know that tourism is an essential part of our economy here in Dorset and, as a bus operator, our services are vital for getting people to and from work – especially those in the hospitality trade.

“Unfortunately, our region also suffers with major congestion in the busy summer months.

“If more of our residents and tourists travel by bus whilst they are here, they can enjoy the region in a sustainable way – viewing some amazing sights on our new BREEZER routes.

“They can also help ease congestion because just one double deck bus can take up to 75 cars off the road.”

• Dorset Biz News is proud to be the Official Media Partner for the 2023 DMB Tourism Awards.

+++

Dorset Biz News Gallery – pictures by Paul Collins.

Andy Lennox, Kate Musselwhite, Dale Matson.

Rosie Radwell, Bill Perkins, Jane Swift.

Paul and Kate Shaw.

Simon Pitman, Rachael Pitman, Tim Seward, Jane Scott, Helen Davies.

Gemma Hallifax and Ian Palmer.

Dominique Wallace and Mandy Polkey.

Michele Medhurst and Guido Schillig.

Jason Giddings, Quentin Royles, Dave Burns.

Nigel Hedges, Bill Perkins, Paul Kinvig.

Casidhe Baleri and Vikki Slade.

Dominique Wallace and Brian Robbins.

Fiona Harwood, Hannah Mazrae, Yonnic Kaiso.

The BIGLITTLE Theatre School perform Broadway Showtunes.

Jane Scott and Helen Davies.

Previous winner Mandy Polkey of Stir Events.

Host Andy Brennan.