TOURISM businesses in Sidmouth are being invited to enter the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2010-2011.

TOURISM businesses in Sidmouth are being invited to enter the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2010-2011.

The accolades celebrate the 'best in the South West' and aim to promote and reward the leading businesses and individuals in the industry.

There are 15 categories to choose from ranging from best hotel, event, attraction, activity, and customer service to business tourism.

Alistair Handyside, chairman of South West Tourism, said: "The South West Regional awards are a fantastic opportunity for the many high quality businesses in our region to show just how good they are.

"The judges are drawn from past winners and industry experts who understand the standard that is required and the challenges facing the tourism sector.

"Many of our regional winners have gone on to win nationally, bringing prestige to both their businesses and the region."

The deadline for entering the awards, which are sponsored by South West Water and Blue Chip Vacations, is June 9 2010, and the regional winners will be put forward for VisitEngland's National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2011.

To enter the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, tourism businesses need to download an application form from www.swtourism.org.uk.

The Award categories are:

Bed & Breakfast / Guest Accommodation

Small Hotel (under 50 rooms)

Large Hotel (over 35 rooms)

Holiday Park & Holiday Village

Self-Catering Holiday, Cruisers & Serviced Apartments

Small Visitor Attraction (under 50,000 visitors)

Large Visitor Attraction (over 50,000 visitors)

Tourist Information Service

Best Tourism Experience & Activity

Sustainable Tourism

Business Tourism

Outstanding Customer Service Award

Taste of the South West

Access for All

Tourism Event