Rutland businesses have been recognised in the tourism industry, with six being shortlisted for the 2024 Tourism Excellence Awards by Discover Rutland and Destination Lincolnshire.

This year's shortlist celebrates local businesses that demonstrate exceptional dedication to quality, service, and sustainable tourism. These ethics are a growing part of the appeal for those visiting from outside of the county. The regional winners of this year's competition will feed directly into the national level of the competition – the Visit England Awards for Excellence.

Popular nature escape Stretton Lakes has been shortlisted in the Self-Catered Accommodation category (Photo: Discover Rutland)

Rutland businesses have taken a prominent position in several categories this year, with six making it onto the shortlist for the next stage of judging.

The businesses representing Rutland are:

• In the Stix in Greetham for Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year,
• Stretton Lakes in Stretton for Self-Catering Accomodation of the Year,
• The William Cecil in Stamford for Hotel of the Year,
• Burghley House for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year,
• The Bull and Swan for Pub of the Year,
• The Rutland Vineyard for Homegrown in Lincolnshire and Rutland (sponsored by Lincoln College)

The next stage of the competition will consist of a mystery shopper round where an undercover judge will be sent to each premises to examine their visitor experience and customer service. This will be carried out between now and the end of the year, with the winners being crowned at a regional level and being entered directly into the national level of the competition from Visit England.

The Rutland Vineyard has been shortlisted in the Homegrown category (Photo: Discover Rutland)

As well as the local businesses, Discover Rutland's Chair Jason Allen has been nominated for the Outstanding Contributions Award.

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The regional awards ceremony will take place on February 28th at a gala event in Lincolnshire, where the winners for each category will be announced.

Best of luck to all the Rutland entries!