Northants tourism businesses are being urged to put themselves forward for an award scheme that last year saw the county strike gold.
The closing date is fast approaching for entries to the 2008 East Midlands Enjoy England Excellence Awards.
Hotels, tourist attractions, pubs and other tourism businesses have until 23rd May to get their application in.
Seventeen awards are up for grabs including: Best Tourism Experience, Best Pub, Large and Small Hotels, Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Website and Outstanding Customer Service.
This year also sees the introduction of a new Access for All award aimed at businesses offering high levels of service and facilities to visitors with varying access requirements.
Last year, the Kettering Park Hotel and Spa won gold in the Large Hotel category.
Mark Henderson, the hotel’s general manager, says the award has had a positive impact in his business.
He said: “The whole team work hard to deliver outstanding service and for this to be recognised is fantastic.
“I would definitely recommend other tourism businesses in Northamptonshire to enter these awards as they give businesses, both large and small, the opportunity to demonstrate the quality which they offer.
“I would urge tourism businesses interested in this year's awards to come forward and get their entries in as soon as possible.”
Ruth Hyde, Tourism Director of East Midlands Tourism, is also encouraging Northamptonshire businesses to gain recognition for their hard work.
She said: “I would urge tourism businesses that are delivering excellence to get their entries in as time is running out fast.
“These awards are about recognising exceptional service and the growing quality of the region's tourism industry, businesses who reach this standard shouldn't be shy to shout about their achievements.
“Winning a tourism award is not only an excellent marketing tool, it also highlights best practice and helps to raise standards right across the region.”
Businesses will find out who has been crowned the creme de la creme of tourism later on this year at a ceremony at East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham on October 8th.
The regional winners till then have the chance to go forward to the national final next spring, where they will battle it out against other winners from across England.
Northamptonshire businesses interested in entering this year's awards should contact Sue Kay at Northamptonshire Enterprise Ltd on 01604 609539, or visit
www.eastmidlandstourism..com
More news in Northamptonshire