The Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards are set to shine a spotlight on the county’s best tourism businesses in 2026, celebrating their outstanding contributions to the local visitor economy. With 52 shortlisted finalists spanning glamping sites, heritage attractions, hotels, and pubs, the awards not only recognize local excellence but also offer winners the chance to compete nationally, highlighting Worcestershire’s growing reputation as a premier travel destination.

Worcestershire gears up to honor outstanding achievements in its vibrant visitor economy with the fifth annual Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards. These awards spotlight a diverse range of businesses, celebrating excellence from glamping sites and historic attractions to welcoming hotels and beloved pubs across the county.

This year, 52 exceptional businesses have earned a place on the shortlist, reflecting the rich variety and quality of Worcestershire’s tourism offerings. The anticipation builds as finalists move forward to the next round of judging, which involves detailed site visits carried out by independent experts within the tourism industry. These visits provide a hands-on evaluation of each nominee’s commitment to outstanding visitor experiences.

The grand reveal of the winners will take place on the evening of Friday, March 20, 2026, at the prestigious Three Counties Showground in Malvern. The black-tie event promises to be a night of celebration and recognition, bringing together the county’s leading tourism professionals and enthusiasts.

Winning a Visit Worcestershire Tourism Award is more than just local acclaim. Champions in various categories will earn the opportunity to represent Worcestershire at the national level in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. This national platform has previously welcomed several Worcestershire winners who achieved remarkable success, including Abbots Grange Manor House and Andrew Hurley of Avoncroft Museum, setting a high standard for the region.

Last year’s awards saw regional titles awarded to standouts such as Plum Tree Glamping, The King’s Arms, and Stanbrook Abbey Hotel—businesses that have since strengthened Worcestershire’s reputation as a top visitor destination. The 2026 finalists continue this tradition, offering an impressive cross-section of the county’s tourism spectrum. From expansive visitor attractions and charming hotels to vibrant pubs, engaging events, and cozy self-catering accommodations, the breadth of contenders highlights Worcestershire’s diverse appeal.

In a heartwarming addition to the event, the 2026 awards will support Acorns Children’s Hospice, the chosen official charity partner. Attendees and participants alike will contribute to this vital cause, reinforcing the community spirit woven through Worcestershire’s tourism industry.

Visitors and residents keen to explore the full list of finalists or learn more about the awards are invited to visit the official website at visitworcestershire.org/tourism-awards, where detailed information and updates are readily available.

The awards recognize excellence across multiple categories tailored to the varied tourism landscape. Among these are the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, which celebrates businesses committed to welcoming all visitors, and the Business Events Venue of the Year, honoring outstanding facilities for corporate and social gatherings.

Camping, Glamping, and Holiday Park of the Year recognizes exceptional outdoor accommodation providers who create memorable stays immersed in nature. Meanwhile, Experience of the Year celebrates innovative and engaging visitor activities that leave a lasting impression.

The Festival and Event of the Year category shines a spotlight on celebrations that draw crowds and create unique cultural moments, while Hotel of the Year distinguishes properties that deliver outstanding hospitality and comfort.

Visitor attractions, split into Large and Small categories, honor the varied sites that captivate guests, from sprawling heritage sites to intimate museums. For new ventures shaking up the scene, the New Tourism Business of the Year category offers recognition to emerging businesses making a strong impact.

Among the most eagerly contested categories is Pub of the Year, featuring notable finalists like StirrUps, The Claude Choules Bar and Kitchen, The Crown, The Fleece Inn in Bretforton, and The Queen Elizabeth Inn. These establishments are renowned not just for their food and drink but also for their warm community atmosphere and historic charm.

The Taste of Worcestershire Award brings culinary delights into the spotlight, with contenders including Burger Shop Worcester, Canary & Kitchen, Madresfield Butchers and Grill, and The Crown battling for the title. This category celebrates the rich food culture that complements the county’s tourism appeal.

The 2026 Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards celebrate the county’s top tourism businesses, recognizing their excellence and offering winners a path to national acclaim. With 52 finalists across diverse categories, the event highlights Worcestershire’s vibrant visitor economy.

As the event draws closer, excitement continues to build around who will take home the coveted awards and who will step forward to represent Worcestershire on the national stage. The Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards remain a shining example of the county’s dedication to nurturing and promoting its diverse and thriving visitor economy.