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Eligibility criteria

Taste Lancashire Producer Awards

Business must be based in Lancashire, use Lancashire ingredients or champion Lancashire food and drink in a prominent way.

Applicants will demonstrate a dedicated promotion of Lancashire through their product and routes to market

Applicants may or may not have a visitor, experience, education or retail element to their food business as well.

The judges will be looking for creativity in the use of quality local ingredients, materials and/or methods

Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business.

Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business.

General criteria – Lancashire Tourism Awards:
Unless stated otherwise in the criteria for the specific award, all businesses must meet the following criteria:

All businesses MUST be based within Lancashire.

IMPORTANT: Those categories marked with VE are eligible to progress to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence / national awards competition (subject to meeting criteria).

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 2025/26.

Businesses must be 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 tourism product definition:
Only tourism businesses who directly serve the end-users are eligible (i.e. the tourist/ visitor/ guest) and who control the visitor experience are eligible..

Applicants that operate multiple sites (e.g. chains, self catering agencies) are invited to submit applications that relate to only one site (up to a maximum of 3 separate applications per category).

Any award must then be associated with this one property or location, and not the agency/ chain as whole.

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, food and drink markets, kiosks & street food (in a regular location). [For these purposes the definition of a 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.

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 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 2025/26

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

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award – VE
Recognises tourism businesses that excel in providing an inclusive customer experience, particularly for those with accessibility requirements.
Must meet the general criteria laid out at the top of the page as well as the following:
Events and festivals, if they fulfil the following criteria:
An application can relate to an event/ festival that was held in 2023 or 2024. If it was held in 2023, it must take place again at least once between 01 January 2024 and 31 March 2025
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 2025) must have a date already confirmed and published for an event/festival to be held after 31 March 2025
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.

Business Events Venue of the year – VE
Recognises business events venues that demonstrate an excellent understanding of the market, exceeding the expectations of their clients and have a strategic plan for future development within this area, with clear goals.
Must meet the general criteria laid out at the top of the page as well as the following:
Any venue that hosts business events (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) and actively works to increase business events business e.g. hotels, conference centres, exhibition venues, leisure venues.
Clients may be exclusively from UK markets or also be from international markets.
Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business.

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year -VE
Recognises holiday parks, sites and villages that provide exceptional guest experiences across static vans, touring pitches, shepherd’s huts and more.
Must meet the general criteria laid out at the top of the page as well as the following:
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).

Cultural Venue / Organisation Of The Year
Recognises culture and heritage based experiences that engage with both residents and visitors.
Must meet the general criteria laid out at the top of the page as well as the following:
Any business can enter that provides an outstanding Culture based experience for its audience.
Entries could be a one-off event or a body of work over a period of time.
Entries could include the following:
• Museums
• Galleries
• Heritage sites
• Dance
• Drama
• Visual Arts
• Music
• Film
• Theatre
• Religious venues and places of worship
• Other cultural venues.
Judges will be looking for evidence of how you engage with audiences, how you reach new market segments, how you have developed over the last 3 years, how the organisation makes a valuable contribution to the local economy, diversity, continuity, and a legacy.

Dog Friendly Business of the Year
Recognises providers of truly memorable experiences for dogs and their human companions.
Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business.
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 tourism product definition: ‘Tourism product’ covers a number of different categories including:
• Accommodation e.g. hotels, bed & breakfasts, guest houses, self-catering/serviced apartments, holiday boats, camping, caravanning, glamping, lodges, shepherds huts, chalets
• Hospitality i.e. food and beverage service businesses e.g. pubs, restaurants, cafés, tea rooms, coffee shops, bistros
• Transport services e.g. rail, road, water, air networks and rental
• Sporting venues and theatres that have a tour, museum or exhibition element included
• Guided tours
• Travel agencies and other reservation services, including tour operators and destination management companies
• 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
• Businesses providing supporting services to visitors 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.

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award – VE
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
Must meet the general criteria laid out at the top of the page as well as the following:
Events and festivals, if they fulfil the following criteria:
An application can relate to an event/ festival that was held in 2023 or 2024. If it was held in 2023, it must take place again at least once between 01 January 2024 and 31 March 2025.
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 2025) must have a date already confirmed and published for an event/festival to be held after 31 March 2025.
For event companies that run several events/ festivals, the application must relate specifically to one named event/ festival.
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 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

Experience of the Year – VE
Recognises providers of memorable and immersive activities for visitors to participate in, from cooking masterclasses to woodland nature tours.
Must meet the general criteria laid out at the top of the page as well as the following:
The application must relate to one named experience only.
For businesses that offer multiple experiences, you are invited to submit applications that relate to only one experience (ideally your ‘hero’ or most popular experience).
(Any award must then be associated with this one experience).
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)
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.
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.
For another example, an outdoor activity centre (like Go Ape) providing a selection of separately booked high ropes experiences can enter their ‘hero’ or most popular experience (Treetop Challenge) as one application.
A boat tour business (like Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours) providing a selection of separately booked boat tours can enter their ‘hero’ or most popular experience (Holy Island Trip) as one application.
The experience must be open to the public/ non-residents – i.e. participation is not restricted to residents, unless residency/ over-night accommodation is part of the itinerary for the named experience.
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.
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 festival, and as such, are not eligible to apply to this category.
Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business.

Family owned / run business
Recognises family businesses directly involved in tourism in Lancashire, demonstrating that family members and family values are making an impact in their business, industry and community.
For the purpose of this award, family business is defined as:
“A business where members of a family own enough of the equity to be able to exert control over strategy and are involved in top management positions”
Must meet the general criteria laid out at the top of the page

Hospitality and tourism student award
Recognises an individual studying a hospitality or tourism related course who demonstrates exceptional commitment to a career in hospitality or tourism, who is excelling in their studies and deserves to be applauded for their work and determination.
Nominees must be studying a course directly involved in tourism, hospitality or events at an FE College in Lancashire. .
Will be an individual rather than a team.
Can be self nominated or can be nominated by a tutor, placement manager or by a local awards competition judge.
Demonstrates exceptional commitment, passion and enthusiasm for their studies and the tourism industry; exceeds expectations and is an inspiration to their peers.
Studying in any area of hospitality; does not need to be in a customer-facing function.
Unlikely to be a business owner or a senior manager.
May be new to the tourism industry or have worked in the industry for some time.
Only one application is required per nominee.
If the nominee moves college or placement between nomination and the awards ceremony, they will remain eligible, provided they are still studying in a tourism or hospitality related subject and their new tutor support their nomination.

Hotel Wedding Venue
Recognises hotel wedding venues that demonstrate an excellent understanding of the market, exceeding the expectations of their clients and contribute to the wider visitor economy.
Any business that hosts weddings in addition to their other hospitality activities such as accommodation or restaurant services which are available to the general public. Wedding venues which are exclusive to the wedding market should apply into the Wedding Venue category.
Judging will take account of all aspects of the wedding service provision, including the venue itself and other services offered to wedding guests
Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business.
Special attention will be given to those demonstrating an innovative approach to the traditional wedding experience, who have developed new market opportunities or to those who have adapted, upgraded, or created new facilities linked to this specific market

Lancashire Perfect Stay – Small Serviced Accommodation provider – VE
Recognises smaller serviced accommodation businesses providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
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 small serviced accommodation except large ‘full service’ hotels, as these have their own category
Likely to offer up to 35 bedrooms. However, serviced accommodation businesses with more than 35 bedrooms can apply if they consider themselves appropriate for this category
For B&B and guest house style properties:
Breakfast must be available on site, adjacent or close to the premises.
Businesses may include bed and breakfasts, guest houses, inns, pubs and restaurants with rooms.
For small hotel style properties:
Offers a selection of hotel services, which are likely to include some or all of: reception, restaurant, bar, dinner and breakfast.
A serviced accommodation business may consider this category or the Large Hotel of the Year – 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 2025/26
Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites.

Large Event of the Year (15,000+ Visitors)
Recognises providers of truly memorable and immersive tourism events.
Events must have taken place between 1st October 2023 and 30th September 2024
If your event is outside the application period contact us at [email protected] without delay so we can explore options.
Must meet the general criteria laid out at the top of the page as well as the following:
This award covers events and festivals of a substantial nature attracting 15,000+ visitors.
The event can be for either a paid entry or free audience/attendance event. The event can be a one off or an annual event with a proven track record. It should be noted that the supporting evidence in the submissions for this category are particularly important as any final assessment is likely to be retrospective.
Judges will be looking for evidence of innovation and a sense of distinctiveness that adds to an event’s appeal to the visitor. Please also provide evidence of the profile this brings to the local community and the contribution the event makes to Lancashire.

Large Hotel of the Year – VE
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.
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 should include a reception/ check-in area and breakfast as well as a restaurant/ provision for dinner where there is a market need.
Offers 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 2025/26.
Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites.

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – VE
Recognises large visitor attractions that provide truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrate excellence across every aspect of the business.
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; not primarily a retail or food service 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.

New Tourism Business of the Year – VE
Recognises high performing new tourism businesses, demonstrating excellent understanding of their market, exceeding the expectations of their customers with clear plans for future development.
Meets the following criteria:
Only tourism businesses who directly serve the end-users (i.e. the tourist/ visitor/ guest) and who control the visitor experience are eligible.
Applicants that operate multiple sites (e.g. chains, self catering agencies) are invited to submit applications that relate to only one site (up to a maximum of 3 separate applications per category).
Any award must then be associated with this one property or location, and not the agency/ chain as whole).
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, food and drink markets, kiosks & street food (in a regular location). [For these purposes the definition of a 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 this long, then they will need to wait to apply to the competition in 2025/2026.
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 2023 or 2024. If it was held in 2023, it must take place again at least once between 01 January 2024 and 31 March 2025.
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 2025) must have a date already confirmed and published for an event/festival to be held after 31 March 2025.
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.

Pub of the Year -VE
Recognises pubs that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a food and drink offering, fabulous atmosphere, excellent service and is a destination in it’s own right.
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.
Applicants that operate multiple sites are invited to submit applications that relate to only one pub (up to a maximum of 3 separate applications per category).
Any award must then be associated with this one pub, and not the chain/group as whole.
Pubs in this category may or may not serve food.
Has a unique selling point that might be locally sourced, home-grown or home-made food and drink; a rich heritage; theme or entertainment.
N.B. Any pub offering accommodation can also enter the B&B and Guest House of the Year or the Small Hotel of Year – choosing the category that best suits their business and only entering one. Accommodation is not judged within the Pub 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 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 2025/26.
Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites.

Small Event of the Year (Fewer than 15,000 Visitors)
Recognises providers of truly memorable and immersive tourism events.
Events must have taken place between 1st October 2023 and 30th September 2024
If your event is outside the application period contact us at [email protected] without delay so we can explore options.
Must meet the general criteria laid out at the top of the page as well as the following:
This award covers events and festivals attracting fewer than 15,000 visitors.
The event can be for either a paid entry or free audience/attendance event. The event can be a one off or an annual event with a proven track record. It should be noted that the supporting evidence in the submissions for this category are particularly important as any final assessment is likely to be retrospective.
Judges will be looking for evidence of innovation and a sense of distinctiveness that adds to an event’s appeal to the visitor. Please also provide evidence of the profile this brings to the local community and the contribution the event makes to Lancashire.

Self Catering Accommodation of the Year – VE
Recognises self catering accommodation businesses that provide the highest quality stays and help to create fabulous memories for all their guests, from rural romantic hideaways to family-friendly city breaks.
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 single self-catering property or a collection of self-catering properties in one location (on a single site) owned or managed by the same business and of a similar quality.
Businesses or agencies the operate multiple properties in 2 or more locations are invited to submit applications that relate to only one named property or location (up to a maximum of 3 separate applications per category).
Any award must then be associated with this one property or location, and not the agency as whole.
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 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 2025/26
Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites.

Small Visitor Attraction – VE
Recognises small visitor attractions that leave visitors with lasting memories and excel in customer service.
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; not primarily a retail or food service outlet or a venue for sporting, theatrical, or film performances.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 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 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 2025/26.
Applications from a chain or group operator must relate to a single site and not multiple sites.

Taste Lancashire Award – VE
Recognises businesses within the tourism industry that offer outstanding cuisine, innovative service and excellence throughout their entire operation.
Food service businesses including restaurants, hotel restaurants, cafés, tea rooms, coffee shops, bistros, foodhalls etc. [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.]
Ideally offers the option for table service, or at least a dining area with table and chairs. Counter service cafés, for example, would be eligible, as long as there are elements of ‘service’ provided, e.g. ordering at counter, payment at tills and clearing tables
Access to toilet facilities that are either within or adjacent to the business
The business must be open to the public/ non-residents and does not require payment of an admission fee to access the eatery
A single site from an independent, chain or group operator
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
Food related events and festivals are not eligible to apply
Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business

Unsung Hero Award – VE
Recognises an individual working for a tourism business who excels in their role and deserves to be applauded for their work and commitment to the industry.
Works for a business 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.
Works for a business that meets the tourism product definition at the top of the page :
Events and festivals, if they fulfil the following criteria:
An application can relate to an event/ festival that was held in 2023 or 2024. If it was held in 2023, it must take place again at least once between 01 January 2024 and 31 March 2025
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 2025) must have a date already confirmed and published for an event/festival to be held after 31 March 2025
For event companies that run several events/ festivals, the application must relate specifically to one named event/ festival
Will be an individual and not a team
Must be nominated by a colleague or by a local awards competition judge
Demonstrates commitment, passion and enthusiasm for their work and the tourism industry; exceeds expectations and is an inspiration to their colleagues
Nominees should not only being proficient in their role, but demonstrate going above and beyond, making a significant contribution
Works in any area of the business; does not need to be in a customer-facing job role
Unlikely to be a business owner or a senior manager
May be new to the tourism industry or have worked in the industry for some time
Only one application is required per nominee
If the nominee moves business/organisation between nomination and the awards ceremony, they will remain eligible, provided they are still working in the tourism industry and their new employers support their nomination.

Wedding Venue
Recognises wedding venues that demonstrate an excellent understanding of the market, exceeding the expectations of their clients and contribute to the wider visitor economy.
Any business that hosts weddings exclusively and not within a hotel or restaurant setting. The venue may offer accommodation to wedding guests, but this is not considered a stand-alone service offering outside of wedding provision. Wedding venues which also offer hotel services as general sale should apply into the Hotel Wedding Venue category.
Judging will take account of all aspects of the wedding service provision, including the venue itself and other services offered to wedding guests
Businesses of all sizes can apply as this category is judged within the context and style of the business.
Special attention will be given to those demonstrating an innovative approach to the traditional wedding experience, who have developed new market opportunities or to those who have adapted, upgraded, or created new facilities linked to this specific market.