The DMB Tourism Awards brought together the best of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s tourism sector in a high-energy ceremony at the Hilton Bournemouth last Friday.

Host Andy Brennan

Hosted by Andy Brennan with Morebus as main sponsor, the evening recognised outstanding contributions to local tourism, with winners honoured across 18 categories in a beach-inspired setting.

Guests first enjoyed a drinks reception featuring cocktails and prosecco sponsored by Midas and Good 2 Know Hospitality.

They then moved into the main room, where DFA Studios gave a street dance performance to amp up excitement for the night.

Andy Lennox, chair of DMB, opened the event by acknowledging the resilience and support of the tourism industry.

DMB chair Andy Lennox

“It’s heartening to gather and recognise the work that makes our local area so unique,” he said.

Andy also celebrated recent developments, such as the opening of The Ivy and the soon-to-come Botanist, as exciting steps for the region.

And he pointed out the high engagement for this year’s awards, with more than 3,000 public votes cast in two new categories.

Local four-piece The Collective closed out the evening with a lively performance, bringing the awards to a ‘memorable end’.

Without further ado, here are the winners and runners-up from the evening…

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Education (Sponsored by RT Promotions):

• Gold: Bournemouth University
• Silver: Oceanarium

Responsible, Ethical, and Sustainable Tourism (Sponsored by Waste Management Facilities):

• Gold: Marsham Court Hotel
• Silver: Holiday Inn Bournemouth
• Bronze: Oceanarium

Nightlife Experience (Sponsored by Alliance South):

• Gold: HSWRK
• Silver: Level 8 Sky Bar and Chaplins Cellar Bar
• Bronze: Salt Co Private Chef & Chocolatier

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

• Gold  (Joint Winners) Picnic Park Deli & The Hutch

Best Customer Service (Sponsored by Rich Paw):

• Gold: South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park
• Silver: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
• Bronze: Holiday Inn Bournemouth

Attraction of the Year (Sponsored by Soul Motion):

• Gold: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
• Silver: Shaka Surf
• Bronze: Russell-Cotes Museum and Art Gallery

Business Engagement (Sponsored by Southern Entertainment Services):

• Special Award: Marsham Court Hotel

Small Hotel (Sponsored by Goadsby):

(pictured are silver winners The Fisherman’s Haunt)

• Gold: The Kings Arms
• Silver: The Fisherman’s Haunt

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

• Gold: The Crumbs Project
• Silver: Marsham Court Hotel
• Bronze: Event Temps
• Highly Commended: FJB Hotels

Rising Star (Sponsored by Fired Up):

• Gold: Severine Seweryn
• Silver: Matthew Bridgen
• Bronze: Carly Jervis Goode

Eating Out Experience (Sponsored by Comax):

• Gold: Twelve Eatery
• Silver: Chaplins Cellar Bar & Modern Times Restaurant
• Bronze: Puro Gusto

Self Catering (Sponsored by Andy Brennan Creative):

• Gold: South Lytchett Caravan and Camping Park
• Silver: Hoburne Bashley and Bournecoast -The Penthouse
• Bronze: Riverside Park
• Highly Commended: Bournecoast The Coach House & Bournecoast Dean Park Manor

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

• Gold: (Joint Winners) Thirteen and St Tropez Lounge
• Silver: Neo
• Bronze: Oriel on the Quay

Large Hotel (Sponsored by The Coffee Bean Company):

• Gold: Hilton Bournemouth
• Silver: Hotel Miramar
• Bronze: Holiday Inn Bournemouth
• Highly Commended: Bournemouth Westcliff Hotel and The Cumberland Hotel

Event of the Year (Sponsored by More):

• Gold (Joint Winners): Poole Harbour Festival & Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival
• Silver: Christchurch Food Festival & Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival
• Bronze: Arts by the Sea Festival & Bournemouth Writing Festival

Tourism Business of the Year (Voting Category Sponsored by More):

• Gold: Poole Harbour Festival
• Silver: Twelve Eatery
• Bronze: Bournemouth Writing Festival

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

• Gold: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
• Silver: Marsham Court Hotel
• Bronze: Hotel Collingwood & Neo
• Highly Commended: The Cumberland Hotel

Contribution to BCP Tourism (Sponsored by Good 2 Know Hospitality/Midas Prosecco):

• Winner: Mr. Jon Weaver (presented by David Bailey)