APPLICATIONS are now open for the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2022.

Earlier this year, Marketing Lancashire, the county’s destination management organisation, celebrated the achievements and resilience of the sector with the return of the Lancashire Tourism Awards.

These were the delayed Lancashire Tourism Awards 2021, which could not be held last year due to the restrictions resulting from the pandemic.

Now, as the sector bounces back from a tough couple of years, the awards are also back on track, and the county’s tourism and hospitality businesses are being invited to enter the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2022, which will be awarded in February 2023.

Applications are officially open, and winners in most of the 21 categories will then have the chance to represent Lancashire in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2023.

Lancashire Telegraph: Rachel McQueenRachel McQueen

Chief executive of Marketing Lancashire, Rachel McQueen, said: “After the huge impact of the pandemic on our tourism and hospitality businesses, we were beyond thrilled to bring back the Lancashire Tourism Awards in February.

"There were few destinations in the country that endured and came through such difficult restrictions and challenges, with such determination and creativity.

“We’re just as excited today, with the opening of applications for the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2022, because next February we get to celebrate and showcase this important sector for Lancashire all over again.

"With 21 awards that give tourism and hospitality businesses across the county, a chance to shine and to recognise the achievements of their hard-working friends and colleagues.”

Moor Hall, restaurant with rooms, in Aughton and Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs, both winners in the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2021, are amongst 45 finalists now heading to the national awards taking place in Birmingham on June 8 and will come away with a gold, silver or bronze award.

Ms McQueen added: “We wish Fleetwood Beach Wheelchairs and Moor Hall the very best of luck in the national Visit England Awards for Excellence in June.

“They have reached this stage because they’re amongst the very best in England and whether they return with a bronze, silver or gold award, we’re incredibly proud of them and all they’ve achieved for Lancashire.”

Categories now open for the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2022 are:

  • Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award *
  • Business Events Venue of the Year *
  • Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the Year *
  • Cultural Venue/Organisation Award
  • Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award *
  • Experience of the Year *
  • Hotel Wedding Venue Award
  • Lancashire Perfect Stay *
  • Large Event of the Year
  • Large Hotel of the Year *
  • Large Visitor Attraction of the Year *
  • New Tourism Business of the Year *
  • Pub of the Year *
  • Resilience and Innovation Award *
  • Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year *
  • Small Tourism Event Award
  • Small Visitor Attraction of the Year *
  • Taste Lancashire Award *
  • Taste Lancashire Producer Award
  • Unsung Hero Award *
  • Wedding Venue Award

To assist first time applicants or those keen to refresh their approach to entering the Lancashire Tourism Awards, an applications masterclass is being held on Wednesday June 8, 10am, online.

To register follow this link.

Registration details can also be found in Tips for Applicants.

The deadline for applications is midnight on Thursday June 30 with the shortlist of finalists due to be announced week commencing Monday July 18.

Qualifying criteria and a simple application form os available on Lancashiretourismawards.com

The Lancashire Tourism Awards 2022 will take place in February 2023 and a location and date will follow soon.

To keep up to date with all the latest news on Lancashire Tourism Awards 2022 follow #LTA22 on Twitter @MarketingLancs.

Sponsors of the Lancashire Tourism Awards 2022 to date include: DFC, Insight6, Lancashire Business View and Northern Print Distribution.

For sponsorship opportunities and ways to support the only county-wide awards celebrating Lancashire’s tourism and hospitality sector, please contact Maria Moriarty-Eames maria@marketinglancashire.com

*categories that progress to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2023 for national shortlisting, subject to criteria.