TOURISM businesses from across the region are being invited to enter this year's awards for excellence.

The awards aim to recognise the region's tourism industry, putting a spotlight on Worcestershire and why it is a great place to visit, work and live.

The awards are free for businesses to enter, and with seven categories available for the 2019 awards.

Neil Lavender-Jones of the Queen Elizabeth Inn, last year’s winners of Pub of the Year, said: “It’s recognition of the hard work that the team in the community has put in to running our pub in Worcestershire.

“We can already see the benefits in our visitor numbers through being a finalist, so I’m hoping that now being a winner will encourage more people to come visit us.”

Previous winners have included Churchfields Saltworks, Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Broadway Arts Festival and Croome Cuisine.

Hopefuls have until Monday, August 12 at 3.00pm to submit their award-winning applications.

If your application is successful, finalists must be available for judging between August and September.

After the shortlisted businesses for 2019 are announced in early September, they will then be invited to an afternoon affair on October 29 at the Chateau Impney, Droitwich.

This year's awards will be hosted by Hursty who will compere the ceremony and announce the 2019 winners and runners up. Attendees will also be able to take part in a raffle to raise funds for this year’s charity partner, Cash for Kids.

He said: "Why do people in tourism deserve recognition for their hard work?

"They have to deal with awkward customers, fake trip advisor reviews and the great British weather.

“Anyone who continues to do what they do with a smile on their face and a can-do attitude deserves a knighthood and these awards come a close second to that. Good luck everyone."

For more information, go to www.visitworcestershire.org/awards-for-excellence.