APPLICATIONS are now open for the Lancashire Tourism Awards.

Last year, Crafty Vintage's Laura Johnson carried off the Tourism Superstar Award and shared the stage with the other 21 winners.

The Taste Lancashire categories now include: Taste Lancashire Restaurant, Taste Lancashire Café/Tearoom, Taste Lancashire Pub/Inn, Taste Lancashire Producer.

The award category open to hotels (under 30 bedrooms), B&Bs, guest houses and boutique accommodation also has a new title, the Lancashire Perfect Stay Award.

Ever-popular, thanks to our growing love of staycations, the dog-friendly category rewards a business that helps people keep their four-legged friends close-by and content during a short-break or holiday in the county. From dedicated spaces and comfy dog-beds to snacks and treats; Lancashire is a place that welcomes considerate and friendly dogs – and their owners.

Visitors to Lancashire love to shop and the Lancashire Tourism Awards also recognises the county’s distinctive retailers. If shoppers travel from far and wide to purchase products with provenance or to experience bespoke and unparalleled service, then this category is tailor-made for those businesses. From food halls to fancy footwear, bridal gowns to hand-crafted homewares or locally-inspired works of art, Lancashire’s go-to retailers have an award in-waiting.

Tourism businesses across the county have until Tuesday, July 31to submit their applications .

Rachel McQueen, chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, said: “This will be my first Lancashire Tourism Awards as chief executive and I couldn’t be more thrilled at the prospect of seeing those businesses, who contribute so much to the success of Lancashire’s visitor economy, celebrated and rewarded for their outstanding achievements.

“Marketing Lancashire is proud to deliver Lancashire’s only county-wide, annual celebration of tourism, supported by sponsors and partners who also want to acknowledge the significance tourism makes to Lancashire’s continuing prosperity.

"The Lancashire Tourism Awards go from strength-to-strength each year and Lancashire’s success at the Visit England Awards for Excellence is testament to the strength and quality of our product on a national level.

“It’s a proud event for Lancashire tourism and we’re looking forward to making it a night to remember for all those involved.”

All 22 categories, important dates, application criteria and application forms can now be found on LancashireTourismAwards.com – completed applications must be submitted by 6pm on July 31.

The location and date for The Lancashire Tourism Awards 2018 ceremony, will be announced very soon. Follow all the latest news on Twitter by following @MarketingLancs #LTA18.