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The Islands' Partnership is encouraging businesses from Scilly to enter the official 2015/2016 Cornwall Tourism Awards and SouthWest Tourism Awards. After a record year in which the SouthWest tourism awards schemes attracted 425 entries with over 100 winners and 19 going on to become national finalists, including the Hell Bay Hotel, the 2015/16 cycle has now re-started and top hospitality businesses across the region are invited to enter by the deadline of midnight on 12th June. New categories this year include an award for Spas and Wellbeing, Active & Sporting experience, and Artistic, Cultural and Learning Experience. In recognition of the importance of attracting overseas visitors, there’s also a new award for International Visitor Experience. These are in addition to existing Dog Friendly, Pubs and Restaurants, B&Bs, Hotels, Attractions, Business Tourism, Holiday Parks and Self Catering categories, and generic awards for Customer Service, Accessibility, Tourism Information and Sustainability. Any business across the islands interested in taking part is very welcome to contact the Islands' Partnership for assistance or advice in completing the application. "Tourism is the lifeblood of Scilly's economy and entering awards such as these enables businesses to showcase their talent and thank those who contribute to their success," says Islands' Partnership's Executive Director, David Jackson. "In the last two years, we've seen a number of Scilly businesses win awards, testimony to the increasing quality of the islands' visitor experience. Last year, five businesses from Scilly entered the Awards, three of which were Commended - Scilly Seal Snorkelling, Ruin Inn and Peninnis Luxury Camping - and of course Hell Bay Hotel is up for a VisitEngland award on 11th May." Entry is free, the programmes being funded by a range of sponsors and partners, and all entrants receive feedback. Further information including case studies on how to enter the awards can be found on the Cornwall Tourism Award website. The deadline for entering is midnight on 12th June. For a flavour of the award ceremonies themselves, enjoy these short films from last year's Cornwall Tourism Awards and the Southwest Tourism Awards.