Launch of the EDP Tourism Awards at BeWILDerwood.; Richard Ellis - Norfolk Tourism, Geoff Cowley - Hoseasons and Tom Blofeld - BeWILDerwood.; Picture: James Bass

From a welcoming and friendly place to rest your head, to innovative, well- run attractions – it is our tourist businesses and their people which ensure Norfolk is showcased at its best.

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Once you’ve experienced the wide skies, beaches and waterways, it is likely you’ll be hooked, and for the natives there is nothing for it but to holiday here.

This year’s EDP Tourism Awards, launched today, will be an opportunity to celebrate the county’s success and recognise those who have achieved the very highest standards.

The awards are the biggest annual acknowledgement of the important role the industry plays in Norfolk and businesses are being urged to put themselves forward.

EDP editor Peter Waters said: “There are reports that 15 million fewer Britons are holidaying abroad this year which is great news but we need to make sure Norfolk is top-of-mind when people are deciding where to have their UK ‘staycation’. From the gentrified seaside of the north Norfolk coast and the bucket and spade family fun of Sunny Hunny and Great Yarmouth, to the unique Broads, the heritage and shopping of our city and our beautiful countryside, there is something for everyone. We have an unrivalled tourism offering, and highlighting and celebrating that is what our tourism awards are all about.”

Richard Ellis, chairman of the private/public partnership Norfolk Tourism, said the quality and quantity of offering in Norfolk had improved “tremendously” over the years the EDP Tourism Awards had been running. It is now in its seventh year.

“The awards have played their part in helping to lord those which have improved their range and variety and that has inspired others to do the same.

“I do not think there is anything better in life than to be recognised by your peers for what you’ve done”, he said.

“We would encourage all tourist businesses to enter one of the awards this year.

“There are a lot of great things being done by our tourist businesses out there and we would like to see more of them.”

Geoff Cowley, managing director of award sponsors The Hoseasons Group, said: “Norfolk is a great place for innovations in tourism. We need to keep bringing new ideas, whether new boats, different types of accommodation, different types of holiday parks.

“It is a great thing to support and Norfolk is a beacon area for that.”

He said that factors in the last few years had meant many people rediscovered the UK holiday and really enjoyed it.

“People were really surprised and even if they do go back abroad, people take different types of holiday. People go to a five star hotel and then they might go camping. It is important that we recognise that.”

Tom Blofeld, creator of Bewilderwood, has won national and international awards for his attraction near Wroxham.

He said that anything you could put on the front of your brochure that made people think you were better than they first thought was a good thing.

“There is a new generation coming through and I want to fulfil that generation with a new kind of play,” he said.

The award ceremony will be a chance for many in the tourism industry to come together and Mr Ellis said it was important for the community to work together.

“People always appreciate the opportunity to network and get together and celebrate success. Whilst on a level we do all compete for the tourist pound, most people realise that there is something to be gained by co-operating together. The real competition is overseas holidays in Europe and other parts of the UK. We need to link together to get people to come to this great county.

“If they keep coming back, they will come to all of us. The rate of return visitors to Norfolk is very high. I don’t think there is any other part of the UK where you can do so much in such a short space of time. You have the coast, bucket and spade beaches, the Broads, fantastic countryside, tremendous history and heritage and a wonderful cultural offering and great retail.”

The EDP Tourism Awards are the biggest annual acknowledgement of the important role the industry plays. It couldn’t be easier to take part online this year and entry is free.

All entries are assessed and the shortlisted businesses will be visited by a panel of judges in September.

The awards ceremony and dinner will be held at the Holiday Inn near Norwich Airport on Friday, November 18.

To enter the awards go to www.edp24.co.uk/tourismawards and complete a short description of your company.

The closing date for entries is Friday, August 26.