This year marks the 15th anniversary of Marketing Cheshire's prestigious Annual Awards 2019, which recognises excellence and outstanding achievement by local businesses and individuals working in Cheshire's visitor economy worth more than £3.5 billion.

This year there are 17 categories, including Large Hotel of the Year and Pub of the Year as well as new categories, including Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year and Pub of the Year.

With a nomination deadline of July 12, businesses are encouraged to enter as soon as possible. For more details of the categories and how to enter online go to

https:// marketingcheshire.co.uk/annual-awards-2019/

Mark Livesey, chief executive officer, Marketing Cheshire, said: "Entering the awards is a great chance for businesses to showcase their excellence and their innovation.

"There is a category for almost every kind of business and no limit to the number of categories that can be entered, so I would strongly encourage businesses, both new and established, to complete the online form.

"These awards are a wonderful way for us all to celebrate and enjoy the excellence of businesses and individuals in Cheshire's thriving tourism business."

For the first time, this year, all regional tourism awards are aligned with newly modernised VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

This means that, with the exception of four awards specific to the region, Marketing Cheshire's award winners will automatically (businesses have the right to be taken out of the VisitEngland Awards if they would prefer) go on to represent Cheshire at a national level at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020.

As a part of this innovation, all entries for 2019 must to be completed online. A 'How to Guide' is available on the website, alternatively, if further help is required on how to use the new online portal, contact Leonie Hallam on 01244 405600 or at l.hallam@marketingcheshire.co.uk

Marketing Cheshire's annual awards takes place on October 3, at The Mere Golf Resort & Spa in Knutsford.