Celebrating the finest in tourism, the BAPTAs (previously known as Bournemouth Tourism Awards), in association with Berendsen, drew more entrants than ever from the BH post code area. The 19 categories, covering dining, hotel accommodation, retailer experience, green initiatives and more, included two new ones: New Business of the Year, and Self-Catering Accommodation.

Michelle Lessig, regional client manager at Berendsen, congratulated all the winners and finalists and said, “We are proud and thrilled to be associated with the awards, which this year drew exceptional entries from across the region, including Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch, Ferndown, Verwood, Wimborne, Wareham and Swanage.

“Not only do the BAPTAs raise the profile of tourism in Dorset across the BH post code area, but our worthy winners act as beacons for those who will enter in the future.”

Chairman of the Bournemouth and Poole Tourism Management Board, Andy Woodland, added, “Many tourism businesses and organisations work together to make the tourism economy so strong in Dorset. The variety and standard of entries this year has been incredible. Altogether tourism spend brings in over a £1billion in the BH post code area and annually to our local community and represents at least 25% of the areas gross income.”

The judging process included application assessments, visits and mystery shopping, with four voting categories decided by public vote.

Jackie Phillipson, co-founder of ROUTEpr, Marketing and Events, who manages and created the BAPTAs, said “This is our finest celebration to date. Entrants, sponsors and partners have excelled themselves with their commitment to doing a fantastic and professional job. Covering the whole BH post code area made judging harder, but high calibre entrants show this destination has what it takes to walk the red carpet.”

Category winners:
Large Hotel – Cumberland Hotel, Bournemouth
Small Hotel – The Pig – on the Beach, Studland
Transport Delivery – Jetski Safaris, Poole
Specialist Dining Experience – The Jetty Restaurant, Christchurch
BAPTAs’ Best Breakfast – The Beach Hut Café, Christchurch
Best Retail Experience – Titan Leathercraft, Poole
New Business of the Year – Pause Cat Café, Bournemouth
International Cuisine Experience – JOINT WINNERS: Ocean Palace Restaurant, Poole and Tiien Thai, Bournemouth and Broadstone
Self-catering Accommodation – Burnbake Forest Lodges, Wareham
Bar Personality of the Year – Ivan De La Fuente, Lola’s Spanish Tapas Restaurant, Bournemouth
BAPTAs’ Rising Star – Prince Ogbuji, Nativ, Bournemouth
Family Eating Experience – El Murrino, Bournemouth
Great Time Out – Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Poole
Green Initiative – Rivendell Outdoor Club, Wimborne
Creative Concept of the Year – The Larder House, Southbourne
Unsung Hero Award – JOINT WINNERS – Des Simmons, Bournecoast and Bournemouth Tourism Management Board, and Jackie Richmond, Lemur Landings, Poole
Education – White Pepper Chef Academy & Cookery School, Lytchett
Afternoon Tea – Hotel Miramar, Bournemouth
BAPTAs Best Night Out – Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar, Boscombe