The Liverpool City Region’s tourism sector is once again set to take centre stage as entries open today for the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2026/27, a flagship celebration of the people, places and experiences that make the region a world-class visitor destination.
Building on last year’s success, which saw category winner The Beatles Story go on to achieve national recognition at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, this year’s programme will spotlight even more outstanding businesses with the potential to shine on the national stage.
Last year saw a number of Southport venues honoured.
The Bold Hotel on Lord Street was named Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year.
Sunnyside Guest House on Bath Street won the Independent Tourism Business of the Year title, and was also celebrated as a Finalist in two further categories – Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award and International Tourism Award.
Southport Flower Show, Southport Food and Drink Festival and Salt and Tar Music Weekend in Bootle were Finalists for Event or Festival of the Year while The Bus Yard in Crosby was a Finalist for Independent Tourism Business of the Year.
The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2026/27 ceremony will take place at Liverpool Cathedral on 4th February 2027, bringing together the very best of the region’s tourism and hospitality sector.
With 20 categories, the awards recognise excellence across the full visitor economy, from accommodation and attractions to food and drink, events and experiences.
Categories include Large Hotel of the Year, Pub of the Year, Experience of the Year and the prestigious Regenerative Tourism category.
Returning categories include the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award and the International Tourism Award, both of which have previously seen Liverpool City Region winners go on to achieve Gold at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
The Independent Tourism Business Award also returns, celebrating the creativity and individuality that define the Liverpool City Region’s distinctive offer. Meanwhile, the public will once again play a role through the Event or Festival of the Year category, recognising everything from major city-wide celebrations to grassroots community events.
For a full list of categories and an entry form visit the website: www.lcrtourismawards.com
Natalie Wyatt, Managing Director of the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership, said:
“Liverpool City Region continues to raise the bar for tourism, and the success of The Beatles Story which went on to the national finals following their win here in Liverpool City Region shows just how strong our offer is. These awards are about celebrating excellence and shining a spotlight on the incredible businesses and individuals behind it.
“As we launch this year’s awards, we’re encouraging businesses of all sizes — including new entrants and those from diverse backgrounds — to put themselves forward. We also invite organisations to partner with us where sponsorship provides a powerful platform to champion sustainability while engaging directly with the sector.”
The judging process, excluding the public vote category, is conducted in two stages by an independent panel of industry experts, ensuring a fair and robust assessment. Tourism remains a vital driver of the Liverpool City Region economy, welcoming over 60 million visitors each year and generating more than £6 billion.
Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool Business Improvement District and Headline Sponsor of the Tourism Awards said:
“Liverpool Business Improvement District is delighted to continue as headline sponsor of the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards for a sixth consecutive year. These awards have become one of the highlights of the visitor economy calendar, recognising the exceptional businesses and individuals whose passion, creativity and commitment help make our city region one of the most exciting destinations in the UK.
“Tourism and hospitality are fundamental to Liverpool’s success, driving investment, supporting thousands of jobs and creating the experiences that people remember long after they have returned home. From world-class attractions and hotels to independent businesses, restaurants and events, the sector continues to evolve and strengthen Liverpool’s reputation on the national and international stage.
“Through the work of Liverpool Accommodation BID, we are proud to invest in and support the visitor economy, helping strengthen a sector that brings significant economic and cultural benefits to the city region. Together, we look forward to celebrating another year of excellence and recognising the people and organisations whose dedication ensures Liverpool City Region continues to offer a world-class welcome.”
This year’s awards are supported by:
Liverpool Business Improvement District; Liverpool ONE; Everton Football Club; BDO; B&L Creative; The City of Liverpool College; The Guide Liverpool; Knowsley Safari; Liverpool Cathedral; Liverpool Experience Campus; Liverpool John Lennon Airport; London Northwestern Railway; National Museums; Liverpool Football Club; Liverpool PIB Insurance Brokers; Ticket Quarter; Virgin Experience Days; Wild Thang.
For sponsorship opportunities email: [email protected]
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