How to enter

Entering the Tourism ExSEllence Awards 2008 is quick and easy.

There are just a few simple Standard Rules to bear in mind. Don’t forget you can enter more that one category, and you can enter again this year even if you previously entered.

All submissions must be received by 5pm on Friday 27 June 2008. Please supply two copies of each entry you submit.

Access for All Tourism Award

This award covers all areas of the Tourism product including accommodation, attractions, leisure, transport etc. The award winner will offer high levels of both service and facilities related to visitors with varying access requirements. Businesses must have implemented an Access Statement of Intent, introduced an Access Plan and where applicable been assessed as part of or introduced criteria described within the National Accessible Scheme (NAS).

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Bed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year

This award covers all areas of Bed & Breakfasts including farmhouses, inns, restaurant with rooms, guesthouses and guest accommodation. The award winner will offer a high standard of accommodation and customer care in a homely and friendly atmosphere. All properties must have a minimum of an AA or VisitBritain 4 or 5 star rating and with an AA Yellow star or VisitBritain Gold or Silver Award.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Best Tourism Experience of the Year

Any tourism business providing an innovative and distinctive experience for their customers, for example, activity providers, tour providers, guided walks, festivals and events. Festival and events must have taken place between May 07 and January 08 and must be annual events. One off events and festivals are not eligible for entry.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Business Tourism Award of the Year

This award acknowledges the huge importance of the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sectors of the tourism industry. Any organization offering business tourism products and services (eg conference and exhibition centres, hotels, events management, venue booking bureau) can enter.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Caravan Holiday Park of the Year

This award recognises Caravan parks that have boosted business by making the most of their distinctive appeal. Parks with a VisitBritain 4 or 5 star rating or in the British Graded Holiday Parks Scheme can enter.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Flavour of the South East Award

This award is open to tourism businesses which produce locally grown/sourced food and drink and/or use/offer locally grown/sourced food and drink. All entries must include a visitor experience (eg tours, events, sampling opportunities).

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Large Hotel/Townhouse of the Year

This award is aimed at all Hotels, Town House Hotels, Country House Hotels, and Metro Hotels over 35 bedrooms, and could include a range of establishments from the independent operators to the imposing flagship of an international chain.

All businesses must have a Visit Britain or AA 1 to 5 star rating. Those with a VisitBritain Gold or Silver Award of AA equivalent are preferable but not essential.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

This award is for Visitor Attractions with more than 50,000 visitors per annum. This award covers venues that can be visited within its published opening times and offers tours and other activities as part of its overall experience. All businesses must be signed up to the Code or Practice for Visitor Attractions or participate in the VAQAS standard.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Outstanding Customer Service

This is the only award that is about celebrating the success of an individual within an organisation. The award is designed to reward exceptional standards of customer care.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Self-Catering Holiday of the Year

This category awards self-catering establishments or serviced apartments that have boosted business by making the most of their distinctive appeal. Business must have a VisitBritain 4 or 5 star rating. Where multiple units have entered all must achieve 4 or 5 stars.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Small Hotel/Townhouse of the Year

This award is aimed at all Hotels, Small Hotels, Town Houses, Country House Hotels and Metro Hotels with under 50 bedrooms.

All businesses must have a Visit Britain or AA 1 to 5 star rating. Those with a VisitBritain Gold or Silver Award of AA equivalent are preferable but not essential.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

This award is for Visitor Attractions with less than 50,000 visitors per annum. This award covers venues that can be visited within its published opening times and offers visitor activities as part of its overall experience. Attractions will be judged on the overall quality of the experience they provide. All businesses must be signed up to the Code or Practice for Visitor Attractions or participate in the VAQAS standard.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Sports Tourism Award (regional category)

Open to both businesses offering activities/participation based sports tourism products and services (eg cycling, sailing, horse riding) and spectator sports (eg major events, festivals, venues) Entrants must attract day visitors and tourists as well as local residents.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Sustainable Tourism Award

This award has been designed to reward tourism businesses working to maximise their positive impact on the environment and local area/community.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Tourism Website of the Year

This award acknowledges the huge importance of the internet within the tourism industry. Special attention will be paid to the provision of new and/or innovative facilities on your site.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document

Tourist Information Service of the Year

This award acknowledges the important part played by tourist information providers in the delivery of visitor services. The awards are open to Enjoy England Official partners only.

Full criteria and entry form - PDF
Full criteria and entry form - Word document