Hints and Tips

Your business or visitor experience must be located in the relevant area of South West England.  There are separate awards for each of the following areas:

• Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Gloucestershire
• Dorset
• Devon
• Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly

Please make sure you enter the appropriate scheme.

Please read the criteria at the start of the entry forms carefully to ensure that you are eligible to enter.

The judges are looking for evidence of excellence, innovation and quality improvements in the last two years. If you entered last year then make it really clear what improvements/additions have been made since your last entry.

Don’t leave your entry until the last minute as deadlines cannot be extended.

Answer every question and use the checklist below each question to guide you.

Use the full word count to maximise your score.  Avoid blank or one-line answers as marks are awarded for each question.

Explain what makes you excellent and support with evidence that demonstrates your commitment to quality and great visitor experiences.

What makes you different – focus on what is unique or innovative about your business.

Why have you made improvements – was it due to visitor or staff feedback – and what has been the impact?

Highlight sustainability and accessibility – VisitEngland provides helpful guidance here on sustainability and access.

Be factual and honest – if you are mystery shopped, your claims will be checked.

Include feedback to show the impact you’ve had on visitors.

Make it easy to read – use clear English, avoid jargon and check spelling.

Ask others to review your entry for feedback and additional ideas.

Check all the links in your application work.

Proof read twice before you submit to make sure your entry is the best it can be.

Make sure your website, social media and responses to reviews are up to date before you submit your entry as judges will look at these.

If you need help please email the Awards Team awards@services4tourism.co.uk.

In all entries it is possible to include links to websites illustrating your responses or to cloud files containing relevant evidence.  You will not be penalised if you have not included supplementary evidence. Any written answers that are included within the supplementary evidence attempting to circumvent the question word counts will be disregarded.