The 2022/23 Dorset Tourism Awards are now open for entries and businesses across the county are encouraged to get involved.

The awards, not in the 10th years, offer businesses the chance to win not just locally, but to progress on to the regional South West awards and the national VisitEngland awards.

The Dorset Tourism Awards cover the full range of tourism-related businesses, including pubs, cafes and restaurants, as well as accommodation, wedding and business venues, attractions, events and experiences. There is an award for innovation and resilience, as well as opportunities to submit entries for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, accessibility, wildlife friendly and sustainability.

Awards organiser Robin Barker said: "I'm astounded that this is the 10th year of the Dorset Tourism Awards. Let's have record entries and make this a year to remember."

The awards are free to enter and are being supported by many sponsors and partners. Deborah Heather, director of headline sponsors Quality in Tourism, said: "The depth of commitment to excellence in Dorset continues to inspire and lead the way in the South West, which made the decision for Quality in Tourism to be headline sponsor once again for the season 2022/23 very simple. We are thrilled to be involved once again."

You can find full details of the awards at dorsettourismawards.org.uk. a series of free online workshops is planned to help entrants, the first being on May 12. All entries must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday, June 19, but it is recommended that businesses plan ahead and start as soon as possible. This deadline will not be extended.