Leicestershire Tourism & Hospitality Awards 2023 - eligibility criteria

The VisitEngland Awards for Excellence and its associated local and regional competitions recognises and celebrates businesses and individuals that deliver amazing experiences for visitors, raising the profile of England as a world-class destination.

The only way to be considered for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence is to apply online through your local competition.  

You may also be interested in the additional categories that are not carried at a national level.  To apply for these, paper application forms are available here.

You can apply for as many categories as you wish as long as you meet the criteria for each one. To see the eligibility criteria for each category scroll down the page.

B&B and Guest House of the Year

Recognises bed & breakfast and guest house businesses that provide a fabulous service and create great memories for their guests.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area.
  • Proprietor considers their business to be a bed & breakfast or guest house and promotes it as such
  • The proprietor or a staff member likely to live on site
  • Likely to offer a maximum of 12 guest bedrooms. However, businesses with more than 12 bedrooms can apply if they consider themselves appropriate for this category
  • Property may also be the proprietor’s home
  • Most likely to be run by the owner(s) with few or no additional staff
  • Guests are likely to have direct interaction with proprietor
  • Breakfast must be available on site, adjacent or close to the premises
  • Serviced accommodation businesses may consider this category or the Small Hotel of the Year category, choosing the one that best suits their business and only entering one
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply for the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying for any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites

Judging process: An unannounced and overnight visit (including breakfast)
Applications must be made online.  The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Small Hotel of the Year

Recognises small to medium serviced accommodation businesses that offer a fantastic welcome, memorable guest experiences and the highest standards in everything they do.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • This is a broad category for all types and styles of serviced accommodation except large ‘full service’ hotels, bed & breakfast and guest house accommodation, which have separate categories
  • Offers a selection of hotel services, which are likely to include some or all of: reception, restaurant, bar, dinner and breakfast
  • Likely to offer between 12 and 35 bedrooms. However, serviced accommodation businesses with fewer than 12 or more than 35 bedrooms can apply if they consider themselves appropriate for this category
  • A serviced accommodation business may consider this category, Large Hotel of the Year or B&B and Guest House of the Year – choosing the category that best suits their business and only entering one
  • A serviced apartment business must apply via the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year category and not this category
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply to the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying to any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites

Judging process: An unannounced and overnight visit (including breakfast, plus lunch or evening meal)
 Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Large Hotel of the Year

Recognises large full-service hotels that provide exemplary service, a top-quality food offering and a stay that guests will remember for years to come.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • A full service hotel – that must include a reception/ check-in area, restaurant, bar, dinner and breakfast
  • Likely to offer a minimum of 35 bedrooms. However, a business with fewer than 35 bedrooms can apply if it is a full service hotel with extensive facilities
  • A serviced accommodation business may consider this category, Small Hotel of the Year or B&B and Guest House of the Year – choosing the category that best suits their business and only entering one
  • A serviced apartment business must apply via the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year category and not this category
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply to the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying to any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites

Judging process: An unannounced and overnight visit (including breakfast, plus lunch or evening meal)
 Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

Recognises holiday parks, sites and villages that provide exceptional guest experiences across static vans, touring pitches, shepherd's huts and more.


Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • Businesses whose main offer is holiday parks, sites, villages, camping and glamping
  • Holiday parks/sites with static vans, touring pitches, tent pitches, glamping and other accommodation such as shepherd’s huts, or any combination
  • A non-serviced accommodation business may consider this category or Self Catering Accommodation of the Year – choosing the category that best suits their business and only entering one
  • Sites ranging from small static caravan parks with no added services and facilities, up to larger sites with many on-site facilities, some of which might be open to the public
  • Holiday villages offering room only or self catering accommodation e.g. lodges and chalets. A holiday village is typically a complex with a range of facilities and activities available
  • Holiday parks that consist entirely of units that are owned may apply if used by owners for holiday purposes only (not as a permanent residence)
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply to the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying to any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites

Judging process:   An unannounced and overnight visit, but may be an announced on arrival day visit or pre-booked announced day visit.
 Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

Recognises self catering accommodation businesses that provide the highest quality holidays and help to create fabulous memories for all their guests, from romantic hideaways to family-friendly breaks.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • Businesses whose main offer is self catering accommodation including cottages, houses, historic properties (or part thereof), holiday boats, barn conversions, apartments, hostels and serviced apartments etc
  • A non-serviced accommodation business may consider this category or Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year – choosing the category that best suits their business and only entering one
  • A single self-catering property or a collection of self-catering properties in one location (on a single site) owned by the same proprietor and of a similar quality
  • A business with multiple properties across different locations is not eligible to apply in its entirety. This includes agencies. However, an application may be completed for a specific location (on a single site) if it is clearly identified within any marketing e.g. website
  • Large self catering accommodation complexes (e.g. with chalets and lodges) with a range of facilities and activities available should apply for the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply for the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying for any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites

Judging process: Pre-booked announced day visit. 
Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Recognises small visitor attractions that leave visitors with lasting memories and excel in customer service.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • Meets the visitor attraction definition:  “…a permanently established excursion destination, a primary purpose of which is to allow access for entertainment, interest, or education and can include places of worship; rather than being primarily a retail outlet or a venue for sporting, theatrical, or film performances. It must be open to the public, with or without prior booking, for published periods each year, and should be capable of attracting day visitors or tourists as well as local residents.”
  • Attracts 75,000 visitors or fewer per year or employs 10 or fewer full-time equivalent members of staff
  • Is capable of attracting day visitors, tourist and local residents
  • May occasionally require pre-booking for a visit or activity
  • Retail outlets, sporting venues and theatres are not eligible to apply unless there is also a tour, museum or exhibition element included
  • Guided tours that are not based within a visitor attraction should apply for the relevant Experience of the Year category
  • Businesses that are eligible to apply for both the small or large visitor attraction of the year category must choose the one that best suits their business and only enter one
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply for the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying for any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites

Judging process: Unannounced day visit - applicant must provide a pre-paid voucher for judge +1 (or family if appropriate)
Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Recognises large visitor attractions that provide truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrate excellence across every aspect of the business.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • Meets the visitor attraction definition: “…a permanently established excursion destination, a primary purpose of which is to allow access for entertainment, interest, or education and can include places of worship; rather than being primarily a retail outlet or a venue for sporting, theatrical, or film performances. It must be open to the public, with or without prior booking, for published periods each year, and should be capable of attracting day visitors or tourists as well as local residents.”
  • Attracts 75,000 visitors or more per year, or employs more than 10 full-time equivalent members of staff
  • Is capable of attracting day visitors, tourist and local residents
  • May occasionally require pre-booking for a visit or activity
  • Retail outlets, sporting venues and theatres are not eligible to apply unless there is also a tour, museum or exhibition element included
  • Guided tours that are not based within a visitor attraction should apply for the relevant Experience of the Year category
  • Businesses that are eligible to apply to both the small or large visitor attraction of the year category must choose the one that best suits their business and only enter one
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply for the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying for any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites

Judging process: Unannounced day visit - applicant must provide a pre-paid voucher for judge +1 (or family if appropriate)
Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Pub of the Year

Recognises pubs that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a food and drink offering that includes quality locally sourced produce.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • A single pub site from an independent, chain or group operator
  • Offers food and the option to drink and not dine N.B. Any pub offering accommodation, the accommodation is not judged within this category
  • Has a unique selling point that might be food, theme or entertainment
  • A pub may consider this category or the Taste of England Award – choosing the category that best suits their business and only entering one
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply to the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying to any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites
Judging process: Unannounced day visit (including lunch/evening meal, and drinks) - applicant must provide a pre-paid voucher for judge +1
 Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Experience of the Year

Recognises providers of memorable and immersive activities for visitors to participate in, from cooking masterclasses to woodland nature tours.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • The application must relate to one named experience only. Businesses that provide multiple experiences can enter the relevant visitor attraction category (if eligible)
  • Any visitor experience that requires participation in an activity
  • The experience may involve a host/teacher/instructor/guide or may be undertaken independently
  • Likely to be immersive and interactive
  • Typically experiences will be learning, adventure or relaxation based
  • Likely to fall under one of these themes:
    - Wellness and well-being (e.g. spa) 
    - Sporting and active (e.g. caving)
    - Environment (e.g. beach cleaning, dry stone walling)
    - Arts & culture (e.g. guided tours, pottery making)
    - Culinary (e.g. cookery courses)
  • The named experience must be taking place during the published judging dates and must occur on a regular and ongoing basis. One-off, seasonal or short-term experiences are classed as events and festivals, and as such, are not eligible to apply to this category
  • Food service experiences are not eligible for this category and should consider the Taste of England Award category, which assesses the quality of food and drink served to the visitor.
  • Businesses that are eligible to apply for the Large/Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category are strongly advised to apply for that category rather than Experience of the Year
  • An experience located at a visitor attraction may only apply to this category if it can be booked separately to the main attraction and can be accessed without the need to pay for or visit the main attraction e.g. the Bombay Sapphire Distillery is eligible to apply for the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category, which includes its ‘Discovery Experience’ as part of the standard admission ticket (therefore it would not be eligible for this category), but they could enter their ‘Gin Cocktail Masterclass’ within the Experience of the Year category as this is a separate experience not available to all visitors
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply for the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying for any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25

Judging process: Unannounced day visit - applicant must provide a pre-paid voucher for judge +1 (or family if appropriate)
Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

New Tourism Business of the Year

Recognises high performing new tourism businesses, demonstrating excellent understanding of their market, exceeding the expectations of their customers with clear plans for future development.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • Meets the following criteria: Only tourism businesses who directly serve the end-users and who control the visitor experience are eligible (i.e. the tourist/ visitor/ guest); Business to business agencies or intermediaries e.g. that manage business to consumer (B2C) presence for tourism businesses without control over the experience delivered would not be eligible. This includes a number of different types of business: Accommodation e.g. hotels, bed & breakfasts, guest houses, self-catering/serviced apartments, hostels, holiday boats, camping, caravanning, glamping, lodges, shepherd’s huts, chalets; Hospitality i.e. a single food and beverage service business e.g. pub, restaurant, café, tea room, coffee shop, bistros, foodhalls, food and drink markets, kiosks & street food (in a regular location). [For these purposes the definition of a foodhall/ food and drink market is a collection of independent food and drink establishments with ancillary services (e.g. parking area, toilets, security, visitor information) and maintained by a management firm as an entity.]; Transport services e.g. rail, road, water, airports and rental; Guided tours; Cultural services, e.g. theatres, musical entertainment venues, sporting venues; Business events venues; Sporting, adventure and recreational activities; Retail i.e. a single retail outlet or shopping centre that attracts a significant number of people visiting from outside the local area [For these purposes the definition of a shopping centre is a collection of independent retail stores with ancillary services (e.g. parking area, toilets, security, visitor information) and maintained by a management firm as an entity.]; Businesses providing supporting services to visitors in-person within the destination e.g. visitor information providers, left luggage services; Visitor attractions that meet the visitor attraction definition: a permanently established excursion destination, a primary purpose of which is to allow access for entertainment, interest, or education and can include places of worship; rather than being primarily a retail outlet or a venue for sporting, theatrical, or film performances. It must be open to the public, with or without prior booking, for published periods each year, and should be capable of attracting day visitors or tourists as well as local residents
  • Has been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open (for first applicable local/regional competition)
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading for at least three months, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/2025
  • An existing business that has diversified by adding a new product at the same location or a different location may only apply if the new product is marketed as a standalone operation, and is available independently to the other products offered by the business. An existing business that has undergone a refurbishment or re-vamp would not be eligible
  • An existing business with new owners will only be eligible if a fundamental change to the business has occurred within two years of the new owners starting trading. A fundamental change would include at least two of the following: Significant investment; Rebrand/ name change/ change to Companies House registration; Change in target market
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Events and festivals, if they fulfil the following criteria: An application can relate to an event/ festival that was held in 2022 or 2023. If it was held in 2022, it must take place again at least once between 01 January 2023 and 31 March 2024; The event/ festival must have the intention to be re-occurring (taking place at least once every two years), and by the time of national judging (March/April 2024) must have a date already confirmed and published for an event/festival to be held after 31 March 2024
  • For event companies that run several events/ festivals, the application must relate specifically to one named event/ festival
  • Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business
  • If the business has previously won (overall winner/ Gold winner) New Tourism Business of the Year, they are not eligible to enter this category again
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites

Judging process: Pre-booked announced day visit
Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Taste of England Award

Best Formal/Fine Dining Experience

Recognises businesses within the tourism industry that offer outstanding cuisine, innovative service and excellence throughout their entire operation.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • Food service businesses offering a formal dining experience (see local awards for best tea/coffee shop, afternoon tea and Sunday lunch.
  • Access to toilet facilities is available
  • Does not require payment of an admission fee to access the eatery
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply for the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying for any other categories.   For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25.
Judging process: Unannounced day visit for 3 course meal plus drinks - applicant must provide a pre-paid voucher for judge +1
 Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Business Events Venue of the Year

Recognises business events venues that demonstrate an excellent understanding of the market, exceed the expectations of their clients and have a strategic plan for future development within this area, with clear goals.

Eligibility criteria 

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area
  • Any venue that hosts business events (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions, MICE) and actively works to increase MICE business e.g. hotels, conference centres, exhibition venues
  • Clients may be from the UK as well as from international markets
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply for the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying for any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple site

Judging process: Pre-booked announced day visit
Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award

Recognises tourism businesses from across the visitor economy who are truly committed to being sustainable, responsible and ethical in how they operate and interact with customers, the wider community and the environment.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area.
Meets the following criteria: Only tourism businesses who directly serve the end-users and who control the visitor experience are eligible (i.e. the tourist/ visitor/ guest). Business to business agencies or intermediaries e.g. that manage business to consumer (B2C) presence for tourism businesses without control over the experience delivered, would not be eligible. This includes a number of different types of business:
  • Accommodation e.g. hotels, bed & breakfasts, guest houses, self-catering/serviced apartments, hostels, holiday boats, camping, caravanning, glamping, lodges, shepherds huts, chalets; 
  • Hospitality i.e. a single food and beverage service business e.g. pub, restaurant, café, tea room, coffee shop, bistros, foodhalls, food and drink markets, kiosks & street food (in a regular location). [For these purposes the definition of a foodhall/ food and drink market is a collection of independent food and drink establishments with ancillary services (e.g. parking area, toilets, security, visitor information) and maintained by a management firm as an entity.]; Transport services e.g. rail, road, water, airports and rental; 
  • Guided tours; 
  • Cultural services, e.g. theatres, musical entertainment venues, sporting venues; 
  • Business events venues; 
  • Sporting, adventure and recreational activities; 
  • Retail i.e. a single retail outlet or shopping centre that attracts a significant number of people visiting from outside the local area [For these purposes the definition of a shopping centre is a collection of independent retail stores with ancillary services (e.g. parking area, toilets, security, visitor information) and maintained by a management firm as an entity.]; 
  • Businesses providing supporting services to visitors in-person within the destination e.g. visitor information providers, left luggage services; 
  • Visitor attractions that meet the visitor attraction definition: a permanently established excursion destination, a primary purpose of which is to allow access for entertainment, interest, or education and can include places of worship; rather than being primarily a retail outlet or a venue for sporting, theatrical, or film performances. It must be open to the public, with or without prior booking, for published periods each year, and should be capable of attracting day visitors or tourists as well as local residents
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Events and festivals, if they fulfil the following criteria: An application can relate to an event/ festival that was held in 2022 or 2023. If it was held in 2022, it must take place again at least once between 01 January 2023 and 31 March 2024; The event/ festival must have the intention to be re-occurring (taking place at least once every two years), and by the time of national judging (March/April 2024) must have a date already confirmed and published for an event/festival to be held after 31 March 2024; For event companies that run several events/ festivals, the application must relate specifically to one named event/ festival
  • Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply for the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying for any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites
Judging process: Pre-booked announced day visit
Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award

Recognises tourism businesses that excel in providing an inclusive customer experience, particularly for those with accessibility requirements.

Eligibility criteria

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy with a significant proportion of business generated by people visiting from outside the local area

Meets the following criteria:

Only tourism businesses who directly serve the end-users and who control the visitor experience are eligible (i.e. the tourist/ visitor/ guest). Business to business agencies or intermediaries e.g. that manage business to consumer (B2C) presence for tourism businesses without control over the experience delivered, would not be eligible

This includes a number of different types of business:

  • Accommodation e.g. hotels, bed & breakfasts, guest houses, self-catering/serviced apartments, hostels, holiday boats, camping, caravanning, glamping, lodges, shepherd’s huts, chalets
  • Hospitality i.e. a single food and beverage service business e.g. pub, restaurant, café, tea room, coffee shop, bistros, foodhalls, food and drink markets, kiosks & street food (in a regular location). [For these purposes the definition of a foodhall/ food and drink market is a collection of independent food and drink establishments with ancillary services (e.g. parking area, toilets, security, visitor information) and maintained by a management firm as an entity.]
  • Transport services e.g. rail, road, water, airports and rental
  • Guided tours
  • Cultural services, e.g. theatres, musical entertainment venues, sporting venues
  • Business events venues
  • Sporting, adventure and recreational activities
  • Retail i.e. a single retail outlet or shopping centre that attracts a significant number of people visiting from outside the local area [For these purposes the definition of a shopping centre is a collection of independent retail stores with ancillary services (e.g. parking area, toilets, security, visitor information) and maintained by a management firm as an entity.]
  • Businesses providing supporting services to visitors in-person within the destination e.g. visitor information providers, left luggage services
  • Visitor attractions that meet the visitor attraction definition: a permanently established excursion destination, a primary purpose of which is to allow access for entertainment, interest, or education and can include places of worship; rather than being primarily a retail outlet or a venue for sporting, theatrical, or film performances. It must be open to the public, with or without prior booking, for published periods each year, and should be capable of attracting day visitors or tourists as well as local residents
  • Businesses that serve food must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • Events and festivals, if they fulfil the following criteria:
  • An application can relate to an event/ festival that was held in 2022 or 2023. If it was held in 2022, it must take place again at least once between 01 January 2023 and 31 March 2024
  • The event/ festival must have the intention to be re-occurring (taking place at least once every two years), and by the time of national judging (March/April 2024) must have a date already confirmed and published for an event/festival to be held after 31 March 2024
  • For event companies that run several events/ festivals, the application must relate specifically to one named event/ festival
  • Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business
  • Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply for the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying for any other categories
  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites

Judging process: Pre-booked announced day visit
Applications must be made online. The winner of this category will go forward to the VisitEngland national awards.

Proud of our People

  • Best Team
  • Best Rising Star
  • Best Waiting Staff / Individual  

Recognises an individual or team working for a tourism business who excel/s in their role and deserves to be applauded for their work and commitment to the industry.

Eligibility criteria

  • Works for a business directly involved in tourism
  • Can be an individual or a team depending on which category is being applied for
  • May be nominated by a colleague/manager or may be a self nomination. If nominating an individual or team they must be made aware of your nomination.
  • Demonstrates commitment, passion and enthusiasm for their work and the tourism industry; exceeds expectations and is an inspiration to their colleagues.
  • Works in any area of the business (depending on which category is being applied for), does not need to be in a customer-facing job role.
Judging process: Paper application form. This category does not go through to the VisitEngland national awards.  There is no visit by a judge required; judged from application only.

Best Event / Festival of the Year - Paid Entry

Each year Leicestershire's calendar is packed full with vibrant festivals or events. We love the sounds, colour and art that this brings to the destination. What makes yours stand out above the rest?

Eligibility criteria

  • This award covers all festival and events that target visitors, with paid entry, and takes place for a fixed period of time, usually annually. However one-off events may also enter.
  • Event must have taken place between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023

Judging process: Paper application form. This category does not go through to the VisitEngland national awards. There is no visit by a judge required; judged from application only.

Best Free Event of the Year

Each year Leicestershire's calendar is packed full with vibrant festivals or events. We love the sounds, colour and art that this brings to the destination. What makes yours stand out above the rest?

Eligibility criteria

  • This award covers all festivals and events that target visitors, which offers free entry and takes place for a fixed period of time, usually annually. However one-off events may also enter.
  • Event must have taken place between 1st September 2022 and 31st August 2023

Judging process: Paper application form. This category does not go through to the VisitEngland national awards. There is no visit by a judge required; judged from application only.

Putting Leicestershire on the Map

This award recognises tourism businesses which have well and truly ‘put Leicestershire on the map’ with the marketing campaign for their business.

Eligibility criteria
  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy
  • This category is open to all tourism businesses who have achieved successful, wide-reaching publicity for their business during 2022
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites
Judging process: Paper application form. This category does not go through to the VisitEngland national awards. There is no visit by a judge required; judged from application only.

Best Entertainment Venue

This award recognises Entertainment establishments that offer visitors great entertainment, lasting memories and which excel in customer service.

Eligibility criteria 

•       Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy

•       This category is open to theatres, cinemas, community venues, arenas etc. It is not open food and drink venues who do not offer a form of entertainment as part of their offer (consider entering Pub of the Year). 

•       If food is available on the site businesses must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded

•       Businesses that have been trading for at least three months and up to two years when applications open are strongly recommended to apply for the New Tourism Business of the Year category before considering applying for any other category

  • For the purpose of eligibility for this competition, ‘trading’ means serving customers. If the business has not been trading this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2024/25

•       Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites


Judging process: Paper application form. This category does not go through to the VisitEngland national awards. There is no visit by a judge required; judged from application only.


Taste of Leicestershire

  • Best Breakfast
  • Best Sunday Lunch
  • Best Tearoom/Coffee Shop
  • Best Casual Dining Experience

Eligibility criteria  

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy
  • Entries are welcome for the following: Best Breakfast, Best Sunday Lunch, Best Tearoom/Coffee Shop, Casual Dining Experience.  Businesses who offer a Formal/Fine Dining Experience should consider the Best Formal/Fine Dining Experience category
  • Businesses must have a minimum food hygiene rating of three out of five. The competition organisers reserve the right to refuse an application if this minimum requirement is not met at any point prior to the awards ceremony. An exception is made for new businesses who have not yet been graded
  • A pub may consider this category or Pub of the Year – choosing the category that best suits their business and only entering one
  • Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites
Judging process:  Paper application form. This category does not go through to the VisitEngland national awards. Unannounced visit (including appropriate meal/drinks) - applicant must provide a pre-paid voucher for judge +1

Best Day Out

Eligibility criteria 

  • Directly involved in tourism, making a contribution to the visitor economy
  • Nominations will be welcome for any tourism and hospitality venue or event which is located in Leicestershire.
Judging process: A local press partner will help us publicise this category through the summer months. Nominations from the public for a tourism and hospitality venue which has given them a great day out during 2023 will be accepted via a mechanism which will be set up with the press partner.  Details about how to make a nomination will be announced shortly. This category does not go through to the VisitEngland national awards.

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