AN award recognising quality, innovation and service in the region’s tourism industry is now open for entries.

The Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2013-2014 have been launched.

Backed by Tourism South East, it also gives recognition to achievements over the last year.

Categories include Best Large Hotel of the Year, Best Bed & Breakfast/Guest Accommodation of the Year and Tourism Pub of the Year.

Winners have the opportunity to use the Beautiful South Awards as a springboard to the national tourism awards run by VisitEngland.

Tourism South East chairman Ken Robinson CBE said: “I am delighted that in 2013 we will again be building on the growing success of the Beautiful South Awards as a highlight of the tourism calendar.

“The Beautiful South Awards provide extensive publicity for our award-winners and through them, for the whole of the South East as a place to visit for a holiday, short break or day visit.”

The awards are free to enter for Tourism South East members.

Businesses are encouraged to start their application at the earliest opportunity.

Entry forms can be downloaded from  beautifulsouthawards. co.uk and submitted by 5pm on Friday, June 7. The Beautiful South Awards are a Tourism South East (TSE) event. TSE specifies and oversees the category criteria and the independent judging of the Awards. Administration of the awards is conducted for TSE by Services for Tourism.

Find out more by visiting tourismsoutheast.com or telephoning 023 8062 5400.