THE vital role tourism plays in Worcestershire’s economy is to be recognised with a new awards scheme sponsored by your Worcester News.

People power will decide the winners of the first Worcestershire Welcome Awards, organised by Destination Worcestershire.

Local people will be able to vote for people and organisations they think are a credit to the county. You can vote via forms like the downloadable one here which will also be printed regularly in the Worcester News. It can also be found online at www.visitworcestershire.org Tourism accounts for a third of the county’s economy and Destination Worcestershire, the public/private partnership created to promote the area as a tourist destination, is keen to see official recognition for those who make a huge contribution to this vital industry.

The Worcestershire Welcome Awards comprises four main awards with the top accolade chosen from the winners of the following categories:

  • Best Worcestershire Breakfast - breakfast is one of the most important meals of a stay away. We are looking for the establishment that provides a winner of a breakfast using regional produce
  • Eat & Drink Worcestershire - as well as offering great food and drink at affordable prices, this award will acknowledge the use of seasonal and regional produce together with provenance of the products. This will extend to all the staff and not just the proprietors. including farm shops and retail outlets.
  • Worcestershire Awareness - aimed at places that are able to advise on what Worcestershire has to offer visitors throughout the year, from restaurant recommendations to seasonal celebrations such as the Asparagus Run. This is not about establishments that offer activities themselves at a cost but those that are genuinely interested in promoting the region
  • Worcestershire Nights - an award aimed at an establishment which creates a welcoming ambiance, offers more than is expected, great value for money and, above all, a good night's sleep.
  • Warmest Worcestershire Welcome - the top award chosen from the winners of all the other categories.

The winners will then be considered for both regional and national tourism awards. Voting closes on April 20.

Winners will receive a commemorative plaque promoting their establishment as a 2009 winner together with a vocational prize to suit their needs, such as training in marketing or financial management.

Destination Worcestershire manager Rod Nipper said: “These are the first-ever awards aimed at the tourism industry in the county with the aim of celebrating the diversity of Worcestershire’s tourism offer, generating interest in improving quality and encouraging more people to turn days into stays.”

Worcester News editor Kevin Ward said: “We are delighted to sponsor these inaugural awards.

"Attracting tourists to Worcestershire is vital for our economy, particularly during the current recession.

"The beauty of these awards is that local people will choose the winners and I would urge all our readers to cast their vote.”