By Andrew Diprose, editor

It was an unforgettable evening.

The crème de la crème of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s tourism, hospitality and retail sectors had their successes trumpeted last night.

Eighteen gongs were presented at the 2022 Destination Management Board (DMB) Tourism Awards.

From hotels, cafes and restaurants to attractions, events and retailers.

There was also recognition for rising stars, young innovators and teams.

More than 260 people attended the glittering event, held at Bournemouth’s Pavilion Ballroom.

Craig Mathie, DMB Chair, praised the winners for their “colossal achievements”.

He added: “It’s fair to say that it’s been a pretty crazy couple of years since we last got to celebrate our achievements in person – and there is so very much to celebrate.

“Tonight’s successes are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of everyone involved in our industry.”

Successes on the night included Who Dares Gyms – Shorefit which won three Golds and was also named Best of the Best.

Bournemouth’s Marsham Court Hotel added to its ever-expanding trophy cabinet, also with three Golds, while the resort’s latest addition, The Nici, won a Gold for Large Hotel.

Before the awards were revealed guests were treated to a spectacular opening entertainment called ‘A Celebration of BCP!’.

It highlighted and showcased what were described as ‘some of the area’s top treats, delightful destinations and perfect past times’.

Tim Seward, Lead Delivery of the awards, said: “What a night, what a celebration of tourism.

“After a gap due to the pandemic it was fantastic to see over 260 people in the Pavilion Ballroom getting together and celebrating.

“It has been an absolute pleasure and honour to have delivered the 2022 awards.

“My thanks go to Andy Brennan [pictured] who was both Host and Creative Director for the awards, David Bailey as Head Judge and his team of judges, main sponsor Youth Mobility Scheme Working Holiday and all the category sponsors and partners.

“Without these people the awards simply would not go ahead.

“The awards will be back in 2023.

“If you are interested in being either a main sponsor or category sponsor, please email info@dmb-tourismawards.co.uk for more information.”

  • Dorset Biz News is proud to be the Official Media Partner for this year’s awards.

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Gallery and all the awards – pictures by Paul Collins/PC Visuals

Responsible, Ethical and Sustainable Tourism Award.
Gold (joint): Pause Cat Café and Shore Campers- Campervan hire
Bronze: Holiday Inn, Bournemouth

Industry Support Award, sponsored by BCP Council Tourism.
Gold: Harvest Fine Foods
Silver: Bournemouth Coastal BID
Bronze: Sandbanks Beach

Café/tearoom Award, sponsored by City Cruises.
Gold (joint): Flamingo Café and Picnic Park Deli
Silver: Farmer Palmers – The Hen House
Bronze (joint): Cremma and Tuckton Tea Gardens
Highly commended: Pause Cat Café

Business Tourism Award, sponsored by Holiday Inn Bournemouth.
Gold (joint): Marsham Court Hotel and Who Dares Gyms – Shorefit
Bronze: Poseidon Watersports

Retail Experience Award, sponsored by Nativ.
Gold: Haberdasherdo
Silver: The Sovereign Shopping Centre
Bronze: BH6 Books & Home

Eating Out Experience, sponsored by Harvest Foods.
Gold: The Noisy Lobster
Silver (joint): Mighty Wieners and Nusara – Poole
Bronze (joint): DRGNFLY and West Beach
Highly commended:Pause Cat Café

Education Award, sponsored by Adventure Wonderland.
Gold: The CRUMBS Project
Silver: Centre VR

Small Hotel Award, sponsored by Star Quality Hospitality.
Gold: The King’s Arms
Silver (joint): Lord Bute and The Rosscourt
Bronze: Lea Hurst B & B

Transformation and Innovation Award, sponsored by Trethowans.
Gold (joint) : Marsham Court Hotel, Polygon Pets and Who Dares Gyms – Shorefit
Bronze: W Beach

Night-Time Experience, sponsored by Clockwork Marketing.
Gold: The Thomas Tripp
Silver (joint): Southbourne Brewhouse & Kitchen and Poole Hill Brewery
Bronze: Aruba Restaurant & Bar

Self Catering Award, sponsored by Youth Mobility Scheme Working Holiday.
Gold (joint): The Houseboat and The Seaside Annexe – Bournecoast
Silver (joint): Bournemouth Beach Lodges and Dean Park Manor – Bournecoast
Bronze (joint): Brewhouse & Kitchen – Southbourne and Palm Court – Bournecoast

Event of the Year, sponsored by Captains Club Hotel.
Gold: Shake and Stir Vintage Music Festival
Silver (joint): Bournemouth 7s and Farmer Palmers Christmas Twilight Event
Bronze: Global Rainbow – Lighthouse, Poole

Attraction of the Year, sponsored by Coffee Bean Company.
Gold (joint): Monkey World and Who Dares Gyms – Shorefit
Silver: Farmer Palmers
Bronze: RockReef & PierZip
Highly commended (joint): Avon Beach and City Cruises

Large Hotel Award, sponsored by Cater Elite.
Gold (joint): Captain’s Club Hotel and The Nici
Silver (joint): Hotel Miramar and Marsham Court Hotel
Highly commended: Park Central Hotel

Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Castlepoint.
Gold: Marsham Court Team
Silver: Rockley Watersports Sales Team
Bronze: Farmer Palmers Team
Highly commended (joint): Bournemouth 7s Team and Sobo Brewhouse & Kitchen Team

The Tony Williams Young Innovators Award, sponsored by Lynne Williams.
Winner: Matthew Booth – The Parks Foundation

Rising Star Award, sponsored by Your First Aid Safety.
Gold: Eric Andreas, DRGNFLY
Silver: Courtney Francis – Ojo Rojo
Bronze: Toni Fox – Prevail Juniors

Best of the Best Award, sponsored by ChargeZone.
Winner: Who Dares Gyms

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