Entries have opened for an award scheme celebrating the West Midlands' tourism and hospitality industry.
The West Midlands Tourism Awards 2026 will recognise business excellence across 17 different categories, with prizes for individuals and businesses (scroll down for categories).
Now in their sixth year, the awards honour the region's very best accommodation, companies, cultural and sporting venues, heritage attractions and other organisations.
Applications are accepted from across Birmingham, Coventry, the Black Country and the wider West Midlands region.
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There is a new category for 2026 for outstanding contribution to tourism which will recognise those who have made a lasting impact on the West Midlands' visitor economy.
For the first time, one of the categories will be voted for by the public.
Finalists for tourism event or festival of the year will be shortlisted by judges before the public chooses its favourite.
The awards are organised and funded by the West Midlands Growth Company which leads the region's destination development partnership.
The awards are free to enter and will be judged by independent industry leaders, with the entry deadline for 15 of the 17 categories on July 21.
The tourism event and outstanding contribution categories close for applications on November 30.
A ceremony will be held next spring although a date is yet to be confirmed.
West Midlands Deputy Mayor Cllr Sharon Thompson said: "The awards shine a light on extraordinary people and organisations doing fantastic things in the visitor economy, creating warm, friendly and meaningful experiences for the region's record numbers of visitors.
"Tourism is an important sector for the West Midlands, supporting nearly 150,000 jobs in the region, providing a platform for our residents to build successful careers."
Eligible winners will be automatically nominated for VisitEngland's National Awards for Excellence.
The categories for the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2026 are:
- Accessible and Inclusive Tourism
- International Tourism
- New Tourism Business
- Regenerative Tourism
- Business Events Venue
- Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park
- Experience
- Large Hotel
- Small Serviced Accommodation
- Self-Catering Accommodation
- Café/Coffee Shop
- Restaurant
- Large Visitor Attraction
- Small Visitor Attraction
- Pub
- Tourism Event/Festival
- Outstanding Contribution to Tourism
