Applications open for 2023 West Midlands Tourism Awards

Applications opened today (Tuesday 19 July) for hospitality businesses to enter the third annual West Midlands Tourism Awards, which will celebrate an unprecedented 12 months for the region’s visitor economy. 

With Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture concluding in May, and the West Midlands welcoming the world at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, the 2023 Awards ceremony next spring will pay tribute to the venues and individuals who played their part in delivering a fantastic experience for new and returning visitors to the region.  

Tourism and hospitality venues across the West Midlands are encouraged to enter to compete for prizes in 15 categories, including the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award; Taste of the West Midlands; and Large Hotel of the Year.  

The Business Events Venue of the Year category returns for the 2023 edition, following the Covid-19 pandemic, and a new award – Tourism Event or Festival – will recognise the providers of a truly memorable and immersive occasion.  

Supported by the Business and Tourism Programme (BATP), delivered by the West Midlands Growth Company – which aims to attract visitors and events to the region – the awards are free to enter and will be independently judged.  

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said: 

“The West Midlands’ tourism scene is in the global spotlight like never before this year, thanks to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. We want to use this next cycle of the Tourism Awards to recognise and honour the West Midlands businesses and individuals who went the extra mile to give our many domestic and international guests an unforgettable experience. 

“Entering the West Midlands Tourism Awards can have huge benefits for venues. They can increase the regional and national profile of a business, highlight areas for improvement during the judging process, and motivate team members, who have worked hard to welcome visitors. 

“We urge businesses across the West Midlands – from accommodation providers and events venues to restaurants and attractions – to log on to our website and get involved.”     

The gold and silver winners of each category will be automatically shortlisted for VisitEngland’s prestigious National Awards for Excellence in summer 2023. At VisitEngland’s 2022 ceremony, held in June at the Library of Birmingham, the Black Country Living Museum won national recognition as the Gold Award winner of the Resilience and Innovation Award. 

Tourism and hospitality businesses located in Birmingham, Cannock Chase, Coventry, Dudley, North Warwickshire, Nuneaton & Bedworth, Rugby, Sandwell, Shropshire, Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon, Telford & Wrekin, Walsall, Warwick and Wolverhampton are encouraged to apply before the closing date of Sunday 11 September.  

For more information about the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2023, including a full list of categories and how the application process works, visit makeitwm.com/wmta.  

BATP is sponsored by E.ON, AirBnB, Reckitt, Bruntwood and Gowling WLG.