ENTRIES have opened for the 2024 West Midlands Tourism Awards, giving the region’s tourism and hospitality businesses an opportunity to be recognised for their quality, innovation and exceptional customer service.
Now in their fourth cycle, the awards celebrate best practice across the West Midlands tourism industry in 14 categories.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, spending by visitors to the West Midlands contributed an annual £13.1 billion to the region’s economy.
That number is expected to increase significantly following a successful 2022 for the West Midlands in the international spotlight, boosted by the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games and Coventry UK City of Culture.
Andrew Lovett OBE, chair of the West Midlands Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board, said: “So, whether you’re an events venue, festival, visitor attraction, pub, restaurant or accommodation provider, I encourage you to get involved.
“Together, let’s celebrate the people and businesses, which make the West Midlands such a welcoming place.”
The gold and silver winners of each West Midlands Tourism Awards category are automatically shortlisted for VisitEngland’s National Awards for Excellence, this year being held on June 7 at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter.
Kelly Haslehurst, marketing director for NEC Group Conventions and Exhibitions (operator of the ICC Birmingham), added: “For colleagues in the tourism and hospitality sector to select the ICC for the national VisitEngland awards, is testament to the customer excellence that our team consistently delivers on behalf of clients.
“The profile of these awards is a key enabler for us to further amplify the venue’s reputation and showcase the dynamism of our industry here in the Midlands. I would urge any business to get involved.”
Visit makeitwm.com/wmta for more information.
