A number of west Dorset businesses are celebrating after being announced as finalists in this year’s Dorset Tourism Awards.

After four months of judging, a total of 51 finalists have been announced for this year’s awards - which highlight the best of the best in the local tourism industry.

The 19 award categories cover everything from dog friendly, experiences and cafés to glamping, hotels and attractions.

Local finalists include Monkton Wyld Holiday Park (Camping & Caravanning Park of the Year); Golden Acre Jurassic Coastal Lodges, Bridport (Dog Friendly Business of the Year); Dorset Forest Garden Glamping, Beaminster (Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award and Glamping Business of the Year); Coppett Hill Partners, Bridport (New Tourism Business Award).

An awards ceremony will take place at the Tank Museum on January 26, with successful businesses in many categories fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March 2023 and possibly invited to represent Dorset in the 2023 national VisitEngland Awards.

Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism commented: “In what is a tough environment for everyone it is heart-warming to read of these fabulous businesses who have continued to innovate and excel. My heartfelt congratulations to them all.”