The second stage of judging for Visit Worcestershire’s Tourism Awards for Excellence 2019 is now well under way.

The finalists for this year’s competition have been selected after an initial sifting process with internal judges, who I am pleased to say have commented on the high level of applications this year.

I‘m delighted to announce that the 2019 awards are sponsored by Mighty – a creative marketing company that has previously worked closely with many Worcestershire-based companies and helped oversee the rebirth of the Chateau Impney.

The awards are completely free to enter, and each year shine a spotlight on the thriving tourism industry in the region. Previous winners have included Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Croome Cuisine and Churchfields who have all gone from strength to strength in recent years.

As we move closer to the Brexit deadline, and with increasing uncertainty around whether Britain will leave with or without a deal, there has been a significant rise in holiday makers choosing a ‘staycation’ over a trip abroad.

READ MORE: Tourism awards finalists revealed

The Tourism Awards for Excellence help to reaffirm the county as an attractive place to stay and explore for visitors from across the UK. With predictions of an increase in overseas travellers due to the weakened sterling, providing tourism businesses with a local accolade will help attract tourists to Worcestershire to experience all that it has to offer.

The winners and runners-up of each of the categories will be revealed in just seven weeks time at an exclusive afternoon awards ceremony at the Chateau Impney, Droitwich.

As well as networking with the other finalists and enjoying the opulent afternoon affair, attendees will also be able to take part in a raffle to raise funds for this year’s charity partner, Cash for Kids.

To view the full list of finalists, please head to Visit Worcestershire’s website, visitworcestershire.org/awards-for-excellence.