Entries are now open for the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2018/19.

After a record year in which the region’s tourism awards schemes attracted 647 entries, the 2018/19 awards have been launched and hospitality businesses across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are invited to enter.

2018 sees several changes, reflecting the constantly changing nature of tourism. There is a new category for Tourism Innovation and New Business; the former Sustainable Tourism category has been widened to look at additional areas such as employment and use of plastics, and there are many criteria changes, including an earlier launch date to allow businesses the chance to prepare entries at a quieter time of year.

This year will also see a new venue for the awards ceremony; after six years at Newquay’s Headland Hotel, this year’s event will be held in Truro Cathedral on November 1.

The awards launch follows just days after the announcement of Cornwall’s success in the final event of the 2017/18 awards when four Cornish and Isles of Scilly entrants were announced as finalists in the national VisitEngland awards.

Gwel and Mor has been listed in the Holiday Park/Holiday Village of the Year category, along with Polmanter Touring Park. Mylor Sailing School is a finalist in the Inclusive Tourism category while Screech Owl Sanctuary is up for the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year award.

Entry to the awards is free with a deadline of midnight on May 22 for all categories except Customer Service Superstar and Tourism Events and Festivals which close on August 22. Businesses interested in entering  should register now at awards@services4tourism.co.uk.

Full details of the awards and workshops can be found at the awards website.