BOURNEMOUTH residents are being encouraged to nominate deserving businesses which boost tourism in the area for an award.

Entries are open for the Bournemouth Tourism Awards 2016, which aims to celebrate the achievements and successes of firms in the town which run a tourist attraction or work in the tourism, hospitality or services sector.

Businesses can nominate themselves or people living or working in Bournemouth who want to champion their favourite cafe or restaurant which serves a delicious meal or afternoon tea, small or large hotel or a person who they feel is a rising star or an unsung hero.

Des Simmons, chair of the Bournemouth Tourism Board (BTMB), said: "We have had a great response so far, but we don’t want anyone to miss out.

"These awards are to celebrate your success and to celebrate your hard work and dedication, no matter what business you run.

"They are a great opportunity for businesses and for your team to be given recognition for their hard work and dedication to the tourism and hospitality sectors."

The awards are free to enter and are open to any businesses who have been trading for 12-months or more, which are based in the BH1 to BH11 postcode areas.

Des said that the awards aim to highlight the hidden gems of the town and is about those who are excelling in great customer service or transport delivery. He added that businesses could have 'the best international flair and flavours or they welcome families with open arms'.

The closing date for nominations is midnight on Monday, January 11and for more information about the awards, how to enter and nominate or become a sponsor, go to Tourism-awards.co.uk/Bournemouth

The public can nominate and vote in the following categories:

• Bournemouth’s Rising Star Award – Purple HR

• Bournemouth’s Best Breakfast Award – Wave 105

• The Afternoon Tea Award – A One Insurance Group

• The Bar Personality (or Sommelier) of the Year Award – Shore Travel

The other categories are:

• The Family Eating Experience Award – Bournemouth Town Centre BID

• The Education Award – Bournemouth Chamber of Commerce

• The Great Time Out Award – South Coast Windows

• The Creative Concept of the Year Award – The Bournemouth Echo

• The Small Hotel Award – Royal Bank of Scotland

The Large Hotel Award – Real Recruitment Solutions

• The Specialist Dining Experience Award – Hallmark Hotels

• The World Cuisine Experience Award – Sandown Mercedes Benz of Poole

• The Unsung Hero Award - Lester Brunt Wealth Management

• Bournemouth’s Best Night Out Award – Still available to sponsor

• Transport Delivery Award – Still available to sponsor