Published on Monday 05 February 2024
Photograph: Nick Williams Photography
Beachside lodges, a wedding venue in a castle and an annual outdoor arts festival were among the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) winners at the 11th Dorset Tourism Awards held at Weymouth Pavilion on 1 February.
Bournemouth Beach Lodges, owned and operated by BCP Council, scooped The Gold Award for the second time in the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category.
Another winner at this prestigious awards ceremony which celebrates the best of the tourism industry across Dorset, was Highcliffe Castle taking the Wedding Venue of The Year prize.
The annual Arts by the Sea Festival won gold in the competitive Tourism Event / Festival of The Year category for its 2022 event while the brand-new Welcome Centre at Upton Country Park received a Silver for being one of the best Visitor Information Services in the county.
Cllr Millie Earl, Deputy Leader of BCP Council and the Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities, said: “I am delighted for the brilliant BCP businesses and annual events that did so well at the Dorset Tourism Awards last night.
“In these challenging times, it’s great to have an opportunity to celebrate our magnificent destination and the importance of art, culture, taking holidays and even getting married in an iconic cultural Dorset venue!
“These awards really represent a thriving, modern and multi award winning destination and place to live.
"Huge congratulations to all those involved and here’s to an even better 2024 for the whole region."
The full list of winners can be seen at: www.dorsettourismawards.org.uk