What a brilliant week for our beautiful stretch of the coast! The much-anticipated shortlist for the Destination Management Board (DMB) Tourism Awards 2026 has been officially unveiled, and we are absolutely thrilled to see so many of our spectacular Poole and Purbeck partners being recognised.
Gathering on Thursday, 17th September, over 120 industry guests came together to celebrate the absolute best of our local visitor economy. The evening was a fantastic showcase of the warmth, quality, and community spirit that makes visiting our harbour and coastline so unforgettable.
Our Local Heroes
Poole’s outdoor hospitality and family attractions continue to set the gold standard. We are so proud of the exceptional South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park, who have earned well-deserved finalist spots in two major categories: Best Customer Service and Caravan, Camping, Glamping & Motorhome.
Just a short trip into the glorious Purbeck countryside, one of our region’s most vital and globally loved partners, Monkey World, has been rightly shortlisted for Attraction of the Year. We also want to send a huge shoutout to other brilliant local finalists making Poole proud, including the Poole Harbour Festival, Hotel du Vin Poole, and Rick Stein Sandbanks.
A Coast Connected
We love how closely our coastal towns work together to create an unrivalled visitor destination. The shortlist announcement itself was elegantly hosted over in Christchurch by our wonderful BP Tourism partners at the Captain’s Club Hotel & Spa (who are celebrating their own finalist spot for Small Hotel!).
We are also sending massive congratulations to our fellow BP Tourism partners across the region who have made the finals:
- Highcliffe Castle Pantry in Christchurch, shortlisted for Café/Tearoom.
- Bournemouth's Marsham Court Hotel, securing three fantastic nominations including Independent Large Hotel and Team of the Year.
- Holiday Inn Bournemouth and the Highcliff Marriott, both securing spots for Branded Large Hotel.
- HSWRK, recognised for their brilliant nightlife experiences, notably for the unforgettable events they host at BP Tourism partner venue Adventure Attractions right on Bournemouth Pier.
The Road to November
The evening also included an emotional address from DMB Tourism Awards deliverer Tim Seward, who announced he will be stepping down following the November finals after five years of brilliant service to the local tourism community.
The countdown to the glamorous November Gala has well and truly begun! Tickets are on sale now for £110 per person at www.dmb-tourismawards.co.uk. We wish all our Poole, Purbeck, and wider BP Tourism partners the very best of luck - you are all winners to us!
