Dorset Tourism Awards Celebrate Excellence Across the County

Dorset’s tourism businesses celebrated on February 5th. The event happened at the Marsham Court Hotel. It was the 12th such event.

The event concluded five months of judging. Judges assessed hospitality businesses in Dorset, looking at customer service and sustainability. Digital communication and accessibility also mattered.

Olympic stars Etienne Stott and Laura Baldwin, who are from Portland, spoke at the event. They shared tips about winning and protecting the environment, emphasizing their importance.

Sixty-one trophies went to winners. Careys Secret Garden won the top “winner of winners” award.

Visit Dorset’s Amanda Park spoke about the variety and quality of businesses across Dorset’s tourism industry. She highlighted the industry’s contribution to Dorset’s economy and congratulated all the finalists.

Robin Barker from Services for Tourism organizes the awards. He emphasized that the recognition rewards hard-working teams, noting that tourism and hospitality teams deserve this acknowledgment.

Marsham Court Hotel hosted the event and won two gold awards themselves. They won business venue of the year and the accessible and inclusive tourism award.

Hotel manager Rosie Radwell called it a fantastic event. She felt a “buzz” in the room that night.

Compton Acres Café Tearoom won an award, securing the title of café and tearoom of the year. Back of Beyond Touring also won gold as dog friendly business of the year.

Bournemouth Writing Festival won gold for tourism event/festival of the year.

Festival director Dominic Wong felt honored, considering the festival started only a few years ago. He stated the county has wonderful events and wanted everyone to feel welcome, including all ages and abilities.

Marsham Court Hotel won gold for accessible tourism. On the other hand, Brownsea Island took silver, and Studland Bay got bronze.

The Gresham Guest House won gold for B&B/guesthouse. Channel View Guesthouse received silver in that category.

Marsham Court Hotel won gold for business venues. Lighthouse followed with silver, and Merley House got bronze.

Compton Acres Café Tearooms won gold for cafes. Behind them, The Upwey Wishing Well got silver, and Garden Gate Tea Room earned the bronze award.

Monkton Wyld Holiday Park won for camping parks. Back of Beyond took silver, and Coppet Hill got bronze, alongside South Lytchett who also secured bronze.

Sculpture by the Lakes won gold for casual dining. Poco Pizza followed in this category, taking the silver award.

Back of Beyond won gold for dog-friendly businesses. Sculpture by the Lakes then received silver.

Careys Secret Garden won the ethical tourism award. West Dorset Leisure Holidays took silver, and Sandford Holiday Park got a commended mention.

Osprey Cruises won the experience of the year. Hidden Dorset got silver, while Alpaca Trekking and Yoga Retreats took bronze.

Dorset Forest Garden Glamping won for glamping. Loose Reins Dorset got the silver award, and Longthorns Farm also received an award.

Durdle Door Holiday Park won for holiday parks this year.

Dorset Museum & Art Gallery won the international tourism award.

Christchurch Harbour Hotel won for large hotels. Moonfleet Manor Hotel took the silver award, while Holiday Inn and RNLI College were commended.

Dorset Museum won for large visitor attractions. Farmer Palmer’s got silver, and Moors Valley got bronze. The Nothe Fort and Russell-Cotes were commended.

Professor Peter Jones earned an award for his outstanding contribution to Dorset tourism.

The Acorn Inn won gold for pub of the year. The Langton Arms received the silver award.

The Jetty won gold for restaurants this year. St Tropez Lounge and Upper Deck got silver, while Al Molo received the bronze award.

Greenwood Grange won for self-catering. Manor Farm Barns got silver, and No. 2 Coastguards Cottage took bronze.

Summer Lodge Hotel won for small hotels this year.

Sculpture by the Lakes won for small attractions. Careys Secret Garden secured the silver, and The Museum of East Dorset received the bronze award. Highcliffe Castle and West Bay Centre were commended.

Arts by the Sea and Bournemouth Writing Festival won for events. Inside Out Dorset won the silver, Swanage Regatta took bronze, and Rang Barse was commended.

Jenny Ashley won the unsung hero award. Charlie Brazier received the silver award.

Abbots Court won for wedding venues. Lulworth Castle & Park took silver. Highcliffe Castle got bronze, and Merley House was commended.

Careys Secret Garden was the ultimate “winner of winners.”