The annual Pride in Thanet awards will no longer take place.
The awards began in 2005 and celebrated those in the isle tourism and hospitality trade who went the extra mile.
Nominated businesses would then be judged by a panel and the winners announced at the annual awards ceremony.
But the event will no longer take place with Thanet council’s tourism team now encouraging businesses to enter the county wide Visit Kent Tourism Awards.
A spokesman for Thanet’s tourism team said: “We are extremely proud of how our Pride in Thanet Tourism Awards grew over the twelve years but are looking forward to the new chapter and competing on a county scale to improve our reach.
“We want to encourage as many Thanet businesses to apply to the new Visit Kent Tourism Awards. This is a great opportunity to benchmark your business against others across the region, boost recognition and media profile as well as increase staff morale.
“Winners will also get the chance to go forward to the National Awards of Excellence run by Visit England.”
Organisation Go to Places has launched the new Kent Tourism Awards scheme.
The awards reward exceptional standards of customer service and outstanding overall visitor experiences.
Following an initial round of judging by an expert panel, the winners will be decided by a consumer vote which will be supported by an extensive digital marketing campaign.
Why enter?
Finalists will feature in a Visit Kent social media and PR campaign that will be used to encourage public voting. They will also gain a competitive edge through recognition of their commitment to excellence and quality standards, and winners get the chance to go forward to the national Awards for Excellence operated by Visit England (subject to Visit England eligibility criteria)
Categories
Rest Your Head Award Small Accommodation Provider of the Year
Happy Family Award Family Friendly Business of the Year
Big Sleep Award Large Accommodation Provider of the Year
Big Day Out Award Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Hidden Gem Award Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Raising the Bar Award Tourism Pub of the Year
Lasting Impression Award Ultimate Tourism Experience of the Year
How to enter?
Businesses wishing to enter should visit www.visitkentbusiness.co.uk and complete the relevant entry form by 5pm on Friday 8th September.
They should continue the Thanet awards and those winners put forward to County level, this is a shame and well lead to not celebrating local talent.
I agree!
What a shame volunteers and community groups will no longer be recognised for their contributions to Thanet or the wider community.