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Frequently Asked Questions
Please refer to this FAQs page for answers to some of the most common queries.
What are the Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards?
Now in their tenth year, the awards are a prestigious competition for tourism and hospitality businesses throughout Staffordshire.
With 20 categories covering tourism, hospitality and leisure, the awards showcase the very best Staffordshire has to offer and recognise and reward the outstanding work done by businesses and people throughout Staffordshire to make the county a great place to visit, live, and work.
Affiliated to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024, our awards are the only route for Staffordshire business to the national stage, and we attract more entries than any other competition in the Midlands
The Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism Awards culminate in a black-tie gala dinner and presentation ceremony usually held in March.
In 2023 around 280 decision makers from across Staffordshire were in attendance as well as other key dignitaries from Staffordshire.
Who can enter the awards?
Any tourism, hospitality and leisure business located within the county of Staffordshire, including the City of Stoke-on-Trent, and the parts of the Peak District National Park and the National Forest which are situated within the county’s boundaries can enter.
You do not have to be a member of Enjoy Staffordshire to enter any of the categories, but you must meet the eligibility criteria for the category or categories you are entering.
Is it free to enter?
Yes, the awards are free to enter, and you will receive free feedback.
If you are a winner, you will be able to use the winners logo (and get associated PR benefits), receive a certificate and/or a trophy and get an opportunity to attend the awards ceremony. The only costs that could be incurred by entrants are:
- If you get shortlisted and visited by one of our judges, any costs incurred will need to be met by the entrant as outlined in our T&Cs.
- Awards ceremony tickets will be available to purchase to attend the event.
How do I enter?
Applications are made online via the Open Water Tourism Awards Application Portal. You can register with the portal (or login if you already have an account), start your application, save it and return to it later if required, before submitting it prior to the closing date.
See our Award Categories page for more information
Can I get help with my entry?
Yes, in 2023 we will be running two online workshops / webinars to help you with your applications. These will be free to attend, hosted on Zoom and last around 90 minutes. The content will be the same at each event, so please use the links below to sign-up for one of the sessions. Places are limited to 35 participants and booking closes 2 days before the event.
FREE online applicant workshop: 15th June 14:00 - 15:30
FREE online applicant workshop: 5th July 10:30 - 12:00
In the meantime, you can check out our Hints & Tips for Applicants page for more information and watch a recording of a previous webinar on YouTube.
I’m a small business, how can I compete against larger businesses with more resources?
Our professional judges are experienced and well used to comparing businesses of varying types and sizes, usually asking themselves the question: “can this business be any better at what it is?” as well as "how well does this business deliver to its target audience?" Customer expectations differ for different business types and sizes, and so do those of our judges.
When do the awards open for entries?
Applicants can enter from Monday 1st May 2023. See our Award Categories page for details of how to enter,
What are the terms and conditions of entry?
Please go to our Terms & Conditions page to read the T&Cs carefully before entering the competition.
What are the categories?
There are 20 categories for all types and sizes of tourism business, covering accommodation, attractions, experiences and food & beverage, as well as cross-sector categories relating to accessibility and sustainability. Visit our Award Categories page to find out more.
How many categories can I enter?
You can enter multiple categories, providing you meet the eligibility criteria of all categories you are entering, and subject to any specific rules relating to the category e.g. pubs/restaurants must choose between, pub, independent restaurant or casual dining restaurant and enter one category only.
When is the closing date for entries?
Entries close at Midnight on Sunday 17th September 2023
How is the competition judged?
Independent professionally qualified judges are commissioned to undertake the judging. Please see our Judging the Awards page for more details.
Other pages you may find useful:
