Applications open for the 2023 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Awards

Applications are now open for the 2023 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Awards. Following last year’s sold-out event, the team is thrilled to once again be opening these prestigious awards for applications. This is an incredible opportunity for businesses working within the visitor economy to be recognised and put forward at a national level through the Visit England Awards 2024.

The launch of the awards comes at an exciting time, as two of 2022’s regional winners – Healing Manor Hotel and International Bomber Command Centre – head to the VisitEngland Tourism Excellence Awards 2023, as national finalists on June 7th.

Once again launching in partnership with Stonebow Media - alongside current sponsors Duncan & Toplis, North Kesteven District Council, Fizzco, Visual Print & Design - this year, twelve categories have been created specifically in partnership with Visit England, with the winners of these categories being put forward for the national Visit England Awards 2024.

Charlotte Goy, Chief Executive at Destination Lincolnshire, said: “Created to shine a light on businesses across the county, the Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards celebrate every aspect of the visitor economy. The awards champion the innovation, passion, dedication and resilience that we know Lincolnshire businesses have.

“After last year’s event which saw 350 like-minded business owners and champions of Lincolnshire come together, it’s great to see this year’s awards open for applications. I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses to enter, you only need to look to the two businesses heading to the national finals this year to see how much value lies in entering these awards.

“Tourism is one of the most competitive sectors in England and having Healing Manor Hotel and International Bomber Command Centre nominated in the national Visit England tourism awards, after winning in our local awards, is a testament to how incredible our visitor economy is. Charlotte, Nicky and their teams do a fantastic job of flying the Lincolnshire flag. As well as offering outstanding customer services and visitor experiences, they are both remarkable businesswomen who have played a key role in driving forward our £2.4bn visitor economy in Greater Lincolnshire after the pandemic. It is an honour to work with them – we can’t wait to see how they fair at the national finals.”

In addition to the local awards opportunity businesses have the chance to step make it onto the national stage through these awards, the application process itself is also a business development opportunity – with helpful feedback from the judges to all those who enter.

Following round one judging of application forms, successful shortlisted businesses will then be visited by a mystery shopper. As independent experts, they will offer genuine feedback on each business, comparing Lincolnshire’s offering to our peers on a national level.

Katrina Burrill, Director of Stonebow Media, added: “We're thrilled to open the 2023 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Awards nominations. This event shines a light on the extraordinary achievements of our visitor economy, which continues to attract visitors from far and wide. It's a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge our dedicated businesses that make Lincolnshire a must-visit destination. Let's come together to celebrate the stars of our region and elevate Lincolnshire's presence on the national tourism stage.”

With fifteen categories, there is plenty of scope for all visitor economy businesses to enter and showcase the strength of our destination.

All categories open for nominations today (May 19, 2023) and close at 23.59pm on July 16. Judging round one will start on July 17 and close on July 28, with the shortlist announced on August 3 and Mystery Shopping round beginning on August 7 and concluding on September 22. The awards ceremony itself will be held at the Engine Shed on October 12.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for anyone who wants to be involved and support the awards. Please email Laura@destinationlincolnshire.co.uk.

Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards categories:

• Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
• Experience of the Year
• Hotel of the Year
• New Tourism Business Award
• Pub of the Year
• Unsung Hero Award
• Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
• Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
• B&B and Guest House of the Year
• Taste of England (Taste Lincolnshire)
• Small Visitor Attraction
• Large Visitor Attraction
• Customer Service Excellence Award
• Marketing Campaign
• Arts, Culture and Heritage

Charlotte Bennett, Director at Healing Manor Hotel said: “It’s an incredible honour to be shortlisted nationally as a part of such a prestigious award and in this category too. To take home three wins at the Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards 2022 was a highlight for us, we wouldn’t be heading to the Visit England Awards 2023 without achieving this. To be representing the county nationally at this level is just phenomenal and a testament to the dedication our team members champion on a daily basis. I’d encourage all and any visitor economy businesses to enter this year. Get involved with the workshops Destination Lincolnshire hosts to support businesses in applying to the awards, do your research, and shout from the rooftops about your business and what it’s achieved – it could see you on the national shortlist come 2024.”

To enter this year’s regional Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards, and for more information, visit lincolnshiretourismawards.com.