Organisers of the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2024 are inviting entries with the ceremony to take place at Liverpool Cathedral in February 2025. Tony McDonough reports

Entries are now open for the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2024.

Now a firm fixture of the city region business calendar, the 2024 awards will be handed out to the winners in front of hundreds of guests at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

There are 19 categories covering all aspects of the visitor economy including accommodation, hospitality, attractions and tours. Two new categories for 2024 are the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, and the International Tourism Award.

Both these categories, along with 13 others are carried by VisitEngland which means winners of these categories will go forward to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2025. 

Tony Hall, Lord Hall of Birkenhead and chair of the recently established Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) said: “Tourism is the lifeblood of the economy across Liverpool city region.

“It’s important that we take time to recognise and celebrate our diverse and dynamic offer to visitors and shine the spotlight on the fantastic businesses and people that make up the sector.

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“We have seen great success coming out of these awards at a national level and once again we were delighted to have two of our winners represented at the national Visit England Awards for Excellence in June 2024.

“I would encourage businesses to be part of what our fantastic visitor economy has to offer.”

In 2023 there were more than 55m visitors to the city region, generating more than £5bn for the local economy. Figures for 2024 will be published soon. 

Katie Bentley, director of strategic partnerships and communications at Liverpool BID Company, the headline sponsor for the fourth year, added: “After what has been an incredible year, we are delighted to be able to offer our continued support for the annual awards, showcasing the very best in what is a world-famous tourism industry.

“We often say that the tourism industry showcases the very best Liverpool city region has to offer – a warm welcome, a passion for the city and a determination to always strive further.”

Also confirmed as associate sponsor is Liverpool ONE with category sponsors ACC Liverpool, Bolland & Lowe, BDO LLP, Kimpton, Liverpool Cathedral, Liverpool Football Club, Liverpool John Lennon Airport, London Northwestern Railway, Merseyrail, PIB Insurance, The Guide Liverpool, The Metro, Ticket Quarter, Virgin Experience Days and Wild Thang.

Applications are now open until Thursday, September 19 and all tourism-related businesses based in Liverpool city region are invited to apply. For a full list of categories go to www.lcrtourismawards.com