TOURISM businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire will come under the spotlight during the next few weeks.

The hunt for the best hotels, B&Bs and tourist attractions in the two counties is on following the launch of the Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards 2003.

Visit Heart of England, the regional tourist board, is asking the public for help in nominating businesses.

David Moyser, Visit Heart of England's chief executive, said it was a great opportunity to highlight businesses that offered a service above and beyond expectations.

"We are looking for the highest quality across all our awards categories," said Mr Moyser.

"The 2003 Heart of England Excellence in Tourism Awards provide the opportunity for the regional tourist board to recognise these exceptional tourism businesses.

"Looking after your customers and providing a service which is beyond what they expected is vital to keep customers coming back and guarantee business growth."

The Heart of England Tourist Board looks after an area covering 12 counties, including Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and is funded through membership subscriptions and commercial activity.

It provides help with marketing, e-tourism and e-commerce development, research, quality assurance, information and training.

Sir William Lawrence, chairman of Visit Heart of England Tourist Board, said previous winners, such as Brockencote Hall Hotel, Chaddesley Corbett, near Kidderminster, had used the awards as an effective marketing tool.

"Past winners have also seen their business increase as a result of the recognition for their hard work and commitment to tourism."

Nominations must be in writing and include the full address of the business and why it deserves the award.

Visit Heart of England will then send out application forms to the nominated businesses. The closing date for completed nominations is Friday, March 28.

Send nominations to Sarah Ash, Visit Heart of England, Larkhill Road, Worcester, WR5 2EZ.

More information about Visit Heart of England is available at www.visitheartofengland.com or www.hetb.co.uk