Fifty-five Worcestershire businesses have been shortlisted as finalists in the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards.

The finalists, celebrated for their contribution to the local tourism sector, will now progress to the second round where they'll face a panel of independent industry experts, who after a series of site visits, will decide this year's winners.

Councillor Adam Kent, cabinet member for economy and skills at Worcestershire County Council, said: "I am thrilled to see such a diverse and dynamic array of Worcestershire businesses shortlisted for this year's Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards.

"With 77 outstanding contenders across 55 businesses, it’s clear that our county continues to excel in providing exceptional tourism experiences."

Among the finalists are Attwell Farm Park and West Midlands Safari Park, competing for the newly-created Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award.

This category seeks to honour businesses championing inclusive tourism practices in Worcestershire.

Also new to this year's awards, Worcestershire's Tourism Unsung Hero Award is set to praise individuals going the extra mile in delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

Shortlisted nominees for this category include Andrew Hurley from Avoncroft Museum and Grace Stringer Jukes from Piston Distillery.

The awards attract attention beyond the local level, as winners are also shortlisted for national recognition at the Visit England Awards of Excellence.

Previous Worcestershire winners who have tasted success at the awards include Severn Valley Railway, Pensons at the Netherwood Estate, Treeopia Luxury Treehouse and The Fleece Inn, Bretforton.

The Abbey Hotel and Stanbrook Abbey Hotel are among the contenders for the Large Hotel of the Year, while Upsticks Glamping and Pitlands Farm Holidays are hoping for success in the Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year category.

The annual awards ceremony is set to take place in March next year.

As Visit Worcestershire and its headline sponsor, The Valley, Evesham, prepare to recognise Worcestershire's excellence and innovation, the exact location of the ceremony awaits confirmation.

Councillor Kent added: "I eagerly await the announcement of the winners at our grand black-tie event in March 2025, where we will celebrate the very best of what Worcestershire has to offer."