NOMINATIONS are open for the West Midlands Tourism Awards.
Individuals, teams and businesses from across the region’s visitor economy are invited to celebrate their hard work and successes as entries for the 2026 competition open.
Now in their sixth year, the West Midlands Tourism Awards honour the region’s very best accommodation; business, cultural and sporting event venues; food and drink settings; and visitor and heritage attractions across 17 categories.
New for 2026 is the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award, which recognises those who make a lasting impact on the West Midlands’ visitor economy, helping the region to be an exciting and enticing destination for national and international visitors.
There is no formal entry form for this category.
Instead, written nominations of up to 500 words are welcomed, detailing why the applicant deserves the award, supported by specific examples of their contribution.
For the first time, a West Midlands Tourism Awards category will be voted on by the public.
Finalists for the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year will be shortlisted by judges, before the public choose their favourite, giving communities a voice in the outcome.
Deputy Mayor of the West Midlands, Sharon Thompson, said: “The West Midlands Tourism Awards shine a light on extraordinary people and organisations doing fantastic things in the visitor economy, creating warm, friendly and meaningful experiences for the region’s record numbers of visitors.
“Tourism is an important sector for the West Midlands, supporting nearly 150,000 jobs in the region, providing a platform for our residents to build successful careers.
“I urge all tourism businesses who are proud of their achievements over the past 12 months to get involved and apply, so that we can come together next spring and celebrate their wonderful work.”
The West Midlands Tourism Awards are organised and funded by the West Midlands Growth Company, which leads the region’s Destination Development Partnership.
The awards are free to enter and will be judged by independent industry leaders, with the entry deadline for 15 of the 17 categories on July 21.
The Tourism Event/Festival of the Year and Outstanding Contribution to Tourism categories close for applications on November 30.
Eligible winners will be automatically nominated for VisitEngland’s National Awards for Excellence, giving West Midlands venues the opportunity to gain recognition at a national level.
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