AN awards night celebrated the very best tourism businesses Dorset has to offer.

61 winner trophies were presented to businesses at the 12th annual Dorset Tourism Awards, which took place last Wednesday (February 5) at Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth.

The event was the conclusion of five months of independent judging as hospitality businesses of all kinds were recognised for their excellence in customer service, sustainability, digital communications and accessibility.

Some of the gold award winners include the Compton Acres Café Tearooms in Poole (café/tearoom of the year award), Careys Secret Garden in Wareham (ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism award), Osprey Cruises in Wareham (experience of the year), The Acorn Inn in Dorchester (pub of the year), The Jetty in Christchurch (restaurant of the year), and Abbots Court in Blandford Forum (wedding venue of the year).

Careys Secret Garden also received the winners of winners award and a special outstanding contribution award to Professor Peter Jones for his work in skills development and accessibility.

Awards organiser, Robin Barker of Services for Tourism, said: “It is such a great reward for the hard-working teams in tourism and hospitality to receive this recognition, and it is so deserved.

“Congratulations to all the winners.”

Amanda Park of sponsors Visit Dorset said: “Visit Dorset are proud sponsors of the Dorset Tourism Awards and as always, we were delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate the sheer variety and quality of businesses across the whole of Dorset’s fantastic tourism industry, which contributes so much to our Dorset economy. Congratulations to all the finalists!”

Many of the gold winners in the Dorset Awards will also be nominated to represent Dorset in the national VisitEngland awards later in the year.

Visit dorsettourismawards.org.uk for the full list of winners.