THE names of the finalists in the running to win in the 2023/24 Bristol Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards have been released.

A total of 60 finalists from across the region are waiting eagerly to find out whether they will receive gold, silver or bronze awards.

Additionally, six businesses have received commended status.

The winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on November 30 at The Bristol Hotel along with four special awards.

Winning businesses in most categories will also have the opportunity to advance to the South West Awards next March and could potentially represent Bristol Bath and Somerset at the National VisitEngland Awards next year.

Kathryn Davis, director of tourism with VisitWest, said: “Congratulations to all those who have made the shortlist.

"The quality of businesses working within the visitor economy in this area is exceptional and I am proud that we get to work with them, inspiring us to be better and match their high standards.

"The standard of our winners in recent years has meant we have had six businesses progress to national finals, including two gold, and it all starts here.”

Awards director Nell Barrington said: “We were thrilled with the increase and quality of entries this year which has made it really tough for our team of volunteer judges.

"Good luck to the finalists and congratulations to them all.”

2023/24 BRISTOL BATH & SOMERSET TOURISM AWARDS FINALISTS & COMMENDED.

ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM AWARD sponsored by Visit West.

Finalists: Mountain Lodge, Banwell; WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge.

Commended: The Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare.

B&B AND GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: Bossington Hall, Nr Porlock; The Old Parsonage, Farrington Gurney.

Commended: Brooks Guesthouse Bristol.

BUSINESS EVENTS VENUE OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Bristol Airport.

Finalists: Bristol Harbour Hotel, Bristol; University of Bristol Venues and Events, Bristol.

CAFÉ/TEAROOM OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: The Almshouse Tea Shop, Axbridge; The Loft at Wells Cathedral, Wells; The Middlewick Farm Shop and Café, Glastonbury.

CAMPING AND CARAVANNING PARK OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: Mendip Basecamp, Churchill; Wytch Wood Camping, Crewkerne.

DOG FRIENDLY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: The Middlewick, Glastonbury; The Old Stables Bed & Breakfast, Shepton Mallet.

Commended: Revo Kitchen, Weston-super-Mare.

ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD sponsored by Orchid.

Finalists: Burton Springs Holidays, Burton; Middlewick Holiday Cottages, Glastonbury; Wytch Wood Camping, Crewkerne.

EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR (ACTIVE OR LEARNING).

Finalists: Learn to Ski - Mendip Activity Centre, Churchill; The Quest – Tor’s Tours, Glastonbury.

GLAMPING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR sponsored by Anytime Booking.

Finalists: Little England Retreats, Othery; Tractors and Cream, Nr Bridgwater.

HOLIDAY PARK OF THE YEAR sponsored by Tozers.

Finalists: Sandy Glade Holiday Park, Burnham-on- Sea; Wall Eden Farm, East Huntspill.

LARGE HOTEL OF THE YEAR sponsored by Guestline.

Finalists: Clayton Hotel, Bristol; Mollie’s Motels, Cribbs Causeway Village Hotel, Bristol.

Commended: Aztec Hotel and Spa, Almondsbury.

LARGE VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Albert Goodman.

Finalists: Mendip Activity Centre, Churchill; SS Great Britain Trust, Bristol; Wells Cathedral, Wells; WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge.

NEW TOURISM BUSINESS AWARD sponsored by Stephens Scown LLP.

Finalists: COR Restaurant, Bristol; Galahad Tours, Corsham; Mountain Lodge, Banwell; The Middlewick Farm Shop and Café, Glastonbury; Wake The Tiger, Bristol.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO TOURISM AWARD.

To be announced at the awards event.

PUB OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: The Barrington Boar, Nr Ilminster; The Cotley Inn, Nr Chard; The Royal Oak Inn, Luxborough.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: COR Restaurant, Bristol; Gambas, Bristol; Podshavers Restaurant, Nr Bishops Lydeard; The Olive Tree Restaurant, Bath.

SELF CATERING ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR sponsored by Booking.com.

Finalists: Croftview, Hinton St George; Model Farm Country House, Nr Bridgwater; The Middlewick, Glastonbury.

SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: To be announced at the awards event.

Commended: The Castle at Taunton, Taunton.

SMALL VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre, Bristol; 1 Royal Crescent, Bath; West of England Falconry, Nr Bath.

SPA & WELLBEING EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: HarSPA at Bristol Harbour Hotel, Bristol; Your Best You at Aztec Hotel & Spa, Bristol.

TOURISM EVENT / FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: Avon Valley Pumpkin Patch, Keynsham; FEAR Scream Park, Keynsham; Glastonbury Abbey Medieval Fayre, Glastonbury; Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre, Churchill.

UNSUNG HERO AWARD.

Finalists: To be announced at the awards event.

VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICE OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: Bath World Heritage Centre; Exmoor National Park Centre, Dulverton; Porlock Visitor Centre.

WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR.

Finalists: Aldwick Estate, Bristol; Barley Wood House, Wrington; The Orangery at Goldney House, Bristol.

Commended: Old Down Estate, Bristol.

WINNER OF WINNERS sponsored by NFU Mutual North Somerset & Chew Valley.

To be announced at the awards event.