Hints & Tips
Every excellent tourism business in the region stands a chance of winning an award, whatever its size or scale.
These hints and tips are designed to make the entry process as painless and productive as possible. They also explain the entry requirements and what the judges will be looking for.
Five steps to success
Step 1. Check you are eligible
Entry is free for members of Tourism South East. Non members can enter by purchasing temporary membership, for £50 plus VAT, which includes entry into the awards; you will be invoiced on receipt of your application.
There are a few restrictions to entering some categories. For example if you want to enter accommodation categories then you must be quality assessed by a recognised independent quality assessment body and a copy of this assesment should be scanned and submitted with your entry. Please see which category page.
The judges are looking for evidence of quality improvements over the last 2 years. If you entered last year then make it clear what improvements/additions have been made since your last entry.
Step 2. Read the forms carefully
The forms consist of about 6 sections depending on the category you are entering. There is a word limit for each section, which must not be exceeded.
Step 3. Top Tips and Common Mistakes
- Read all questions before you start, so you can ensure you include your answers in the most appropriate section.
- Don’t exceed the word limit! If you do, the excess words will be ‘blanked out’ before being seen by the judges! (In balance, do take advantage of the full word limit available).
- Answer all the questions. Marks are awarded for each question and any missed questions will mean your entry cannot be short-listed.
- Tell the judges why you are different, be yourself and be passionate about your commitment to excellence. Don’t be tempted to get someone else to write it for you – it invariably will not impress the judges.
- Provide evidence of success for each question. Choose two or three strong pieces of evidence that relate to each answer.
- Answer factually and honestly. Facts are more convincing than fluff! And if you are mystery shopped, your claims will be checked.
- Feedback and quotes from visitors make strong evidence. Tourism is a people business and judges are looking for evidence that you have made a difference to someone’s visit.
- Presentation matters! Use a computer to complete the form and make it look professional and easy to read. Bullet points are far easier to read than long paragraphs.
- Use simple English and avoid jargon.
- Do a spell check – and if possible get someone else to read through your entry to check anything you may have missed.
- If you need help or guidance filling in the form please email Nell Barrington awards@beautifulsouthawards.co.uk or call 07968 807022.
Step 4. Prepare supporting evidence, if desired
You may submit one electronic document as supporting evidence if you wish but please note that although this is voluntary and NOT essential for regional awards it will be required for any entrant that wins Gold and is submitted to the National Awards. If submitted the file should be no more than 5 MB in size and have your business name included in the file name.
Judges will increasingly refer to your website for additional information and verification, including evidence of environmental and access policies.
Step 5. Submit your entry
When you have completed the form email it to awards@beautifulsouthawards.co.uk along with a scanned copy of your assessement if you are entering any of the accommodation categories.
The closing date for entries has been extended from Midnight on Sunday 21 August to Midnight on Sunday 4 September.
Remember! The judges have to read many applications so make yours stand out by focusing on what is unusual or innovative. Don’t be modest. This is your chance to shine!
Hints on the question areas
Occupancy & Seasonality
Use this section to comment on your visitor numbers, how they differ from peak to low season, and how you are doing year-on-year. Include examples of actions you have undertaken to extend your season, such as:
- New facilities, packages or activities that attract year-round visitors
- Special marketing initiatives, maybe working with partner businesses
Commitment to Excellence
Please demonstrate how you ensure your guests experience the highest quality service before, during and after their stay. Visitors feel excited, yet apprehensive. Will the experience live up to their expectations? Examples of commitment to excellence may include:
- First impressions and the warmth of welcome you provide on arrival
- Evidence of how you make your visitors feel special and ‘go the extra mile’
- The changes you have made over the last two years to improve the visitor experience
- Examples of your visitor feedback and how you act upon it
- How you try to stay ahead of your competitors.
Accessibility
Please describe how you have made your business more accessible to all visitors. This doesn’t just mean wheelchair users but anyone with a whole range of specific requirements from hearing impairments to dietary needs, from elderly visitors to parents with pushchairs. Examples may include:
- Your access statement and how you communicate it to guests
- New facilities, equipment and services
- Attendance on training courses eg Welcome All
- Information in different formats eg in large print
Sustainability
Please describe what actions you have taken to improve all aspects of the sustainability of your business. Examples may include how you:
- Reduce the amount of water and energy you use or the waste you produce
- Support your local community (employing local staff, buying local produce, sponsoring local schools and events, etc)
- Encourage wildlife
- Promote sustainable methods of transport (eg providing visitors with public transport information, cycle hire etc)
- Get your customers/staff involved
- How you promote what actions you are taking.
Marketing
Please describe your target market(s), the way that you reach them and the ways they can find out about you.
The judges will be interested in new developments such as new social media initiatives, web site developments, web optimisation, your online bookability, promotional campaigns and working in partnership with other businesses. Do you check user-generated sites such as Trip Advisor for good and bad reviews? Do you have guest/visitor testimonials in your marketing? Please make reference to your marketing plan if you have one.
Staff Training and Development
This question allows you to demonstrate how you value your staff and recognise them as key to the success of your business. The judges would like to know:
- How you make your staff feel valued
- Details of your staff (or your own) training. How do you keep your skills up to date? What training has been completed in, for example ICT, leadership, via the Welcome to Excellence programme, on accessibility or sustainability. Don’t forget online training.
- How this training improved the visitor experience in your business.
