The finalists for the Kent Tourism Awards 2018 have been announced and the public vote is now open.
Four Thanet sites have made the shortlist of 21 tourism businesses in seven categories for the awards scheme.
Launched in 2017 by destination specialists Go To Places (who deliver Visit Kent) the Kent Tourism Awards celebrates big and small businesses in the county, inviting them to nominate themselves for a variety of accolades.
The 2018 categories include best small and large accommodation providers, best small and large visitor attractions, tourism pub of the year, best food outlets and restaurants and the ultimate tourism experience of the year.
Ninety-seven entries were received this year and a judging panel of tourism experts from outside Kent have now whittled these down to a shortlist of three finalists per category.
Thanet businesses making the shortlist are Turner Contemporary in the Big Day Out category; The Ravensgate Arms and The Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie in the Raising the Bar section and Dreamland for the Lasting Impression award.
The public are now invited to view and vote for the winners in each category – with the chance to win a special prize bundle by doing so.
As a special incentive – and to help more people experience the best of Kent’s tourism destinations for themselves – anyone who votes will automatically be entered in to a prize draw to win six days out at a range of Kent attractions in 2019, worth approximately £300 (Terms and conditions apply).
Voting closes on Sunday, November 4 and the businesses with the most votes will be crowned at a gala ceremony on December 3.
How to vote
- Head to the competition section on Visit Kent’s website https://www.visitkent.co.uk/whats-on/kent-tourism-awards-2018/
- You can also find the link on Visit Kent’s Facebook page @visitkent
- Vote for your first choice businesses in each of the seven award categories.
- Once you have selected your pick of winners, share a few words about your vote and Kent’s best tourist attractions.
- You’ll need to enter your email address and your full name to enter the competition. A winner will be selected at random on Monday, November 5.
Kent Tourism Awards finalists
Rest Your Head Award
(Small Accommodation Provider of the Year)
- Hever Castle and Gardens
- Leeds Castle
- Woolpack Inn, Warehorne
Big Sleep Award, sponsored by Sleeping Giant Media
(Large Accommodation Provider of the Year)
- Ashford International Hotel
- Hotel du Vin
- Hempstead House
Big Day Out Award, sponsored by Brachers
(Large Visitor Attraction of the Year)
- Hever Castle and Gardens
- Wingham Wildlife Park
- Turner Contemporary
Hidden Gem Award, sponsored by Southeastern
(Small Visitor Attraction of the Year)
- Chapel Down Winery
- Copper Rivet Distillery
- Solley’s Ice Cream Parlour
Raising the Bar Award
(Tourism Pub of the Year)
- The Dog at Wingham
- The Ravengate Arms
- The Minnis Bay Bar and Brasserie
Lasting Impression Award, sponsored by Pillory Barn
(Ultimate Tourism Experience of the Year)
- Dreamland Margate
- City Sound Project, Canterbury
- Canterbury Medieval Pageant, Canterbury BID
Taste and Tell Award, sponsored by Quinn Estates
(Taste of Kent of the Year)
- The Parade Room at One Pound Lane
- The Dog at Wingham
- Macknade Fine Foods