Bournemouth and Poole Businesses Sweep the Board at Dorset Tourism Awards 2025
Bournemouth and Poole's tourism and hospitality businesses have been crowned the undisputed champions of the county, taking home a remarkable haul of top honours at the Dorset Tourism Awards 2025. The glittering ceremony, held at the Weymouth Pavilion, celebrated the industry's finest, confirming the Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole conurbation's status as a powerhouse of Dorset's visitor economy.
The night was a powerful acknowledgment of the innovation, quality, and resilience that define the local sector. Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism highlighted the importance of the event, stating,
"Awards mean so much to business owners, managers and their whole teams. It’s about recognition, profile, independent feedback and ongoing motivation to do yet more. I am sure that last night’s winners will go on to yet greater heights as a result”.
Leading the wins for Bournemouth was the Marsham Court Hotel, which received an impressive five awards: Gold for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism, a Silver for Business Events Venue of the Year, a Silver for the Regenerative Tourism Award, a Bronze for Large Hotel of the Year, and the special Outstanding Contribution to Dorset Tourism award for its team. Hotel Collingwood also secured a Gold award for Large Hotel of the Year and a Silver in the Regenerative Tourism Award category, while the Bournemouth Writing Festival took home Gold for Tourism Event / Festival of the Year for the second consecutive year. Further accolades for Bournemouth included a Silver for The Green House Hotel as Small Hotel of the Year, a Silver for Chaplin's and The Cellar Bar in the Pub of the Year category, and Bronze awards for the Oceanarium for Active & Learning Experience of the Year and Lolas Spanish Tapas Restaurant for Restaurant & Casual Dining of the Year.
Poole's businesses also had a highly successful night. Lighthouse, Poole won Gold for Business Events Venue of the Year, and Compton Acres Café & Tearooms was awarded Gold in the Café/Tearoom of the Year category. The iconic Brownsea Island – National Trust was recognised with two awards: a Silver for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and a Bronze for Accessible and Inclusive Tourism. The Poole Harbour Festival earned a Silver award for Tourism Event / Festival of the Year, and The Italian Villa received a Silver for Wedding Venue of the Year.
This collective success story reinforces the Bournemouth & Poole area's reputation as a premier, world-class destination, offering award-winning experiences for every visitor - the coast with the most!
