Entries are officially open for the Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards 2026, celebrating a sector that generates almost £4bn a year and supports 38,000 jobs. Tony McDonough reports
Cheshire and Warrington’s tourism champions are being “encouraged to shine”, as the region’s top visitor awards return with a new name.
Entries are officially open for the Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards 2026. Run by Marketing Cheshire, the awards honour excellence across the entire visitor economy. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026 with the venue to be revealed.
Tourism is a powerhouse for Cheshire and Warrington, generating £3.9bn a year for the local economy, supporting 38,000 jobs, and welcoming more than 56m visitors.
This year’s awards will feature 17 categories, including the return of the Best Event or Festival Award, introduced last year, and won by Deva Fest at Cholmondeley Castle.
Highlights from the 2025 awards included a standout win for the Harry Styles-inspired Harry’s Home Village Tour, in the New Tourism Business Award, The Ice Cream Farm in Tattenhall scooping Visitor Attraction of the Year, and Jodrell Bank being named Business Events Venue of the Year.
Jamie Christon, chair of Marketing Cheshire and chief executive of Chester Zoo, said: “The Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards are a cornerstone of our region’s calendar – a celebration of the incredible people and experiences that make Cheshire and Warrington a must-visit destination.
“Beyond the thrill of winning, participants often report a real boost to business, team morale, and recruitment. With the awards continuing to grow in prestige, now is the perfect time to get involved.
Closing date for entries is 4pm on Friday, August 22. Qualifying entrants will go on to represent Cheshire at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. Click here to enter.
At the 2024/25 awards this included Jodrell Bank Centre For Engagement which flew the flag for Cheshire after it was crowned Business Events Venue of the Year.
READ MORE: Metro Mayor urges Chancellor to back New Town plans
READ MORE: LCR Pride cancels 2025 Liverpool Pride events
Urging others to enter this year’s awards, Teresa Anderson, director, Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement said: “Jodrell Bank is honoured to be recognised alongside so many outstanding regional businesses and attractions.
“These awards shine an important spotlight on the incredible talent and destinations that set Cheshire apart, and we’re proud to come together with Marketing Cheshire to celebrate everything that makes this part of the country such a fantastic place to visit.”
The post Entries open for Cheshire Tourism Awards appeared first on Liverpool Business News.
