Raising Quality

North East England Tourism Awards 2008 - Information for Entrants

You may also download this information as a pdf.
See also 'Hints and Tips for Successful Entries'.

Thank you for taking the time to complete an entry form for the North East England Tourism Awards 2008. Please read the following information carefully:

1. Entry criteria
Entry criteria for each category are detailed on each individual entry form.

2. Presentation
Presentation of your entry is important; please consider this if you wish to submit a handwritten entry form.

3. Supporting evidence

• Evidence should be included with your entry to support your answers for example, a copy of your access statement.
• It is preferred that supporting evidence is provided in A4 format; and must include a cover sheet stating your business name and category entered, contents page and all evidence clearly labelled with the question it supports.

4. Judging Process

• The supporting evidence will be used to confirm the answers to the questions where necessary and it may be viewed by the judging panel on the final judging day to assist them in making a decision.
• Entries will be short listed based on the entry form. The highest scoring entrants in each category will be short listed. In addition 50% or above must be scored on each question. Short listed entries will then be assessed through a mystery visit or where this is not possible; an assessor will arrange to visit the entrant / business. Visits will take place during July.
• A judging panel will award gold, silver and bronze in each category, based on the visit assessment reports.

5. Enjoy England Awards for Excellence (EEAE)

• All gold winners will go forward for short listing to VisitBritain's Enjoy England Awards for Excellence (EEAE).
• One NorthEast Tourism will provide assistance for all gold winners to complete the standard Visit Britain entry form immediately following the regional event and will submit this entry form and your supporting evidence to VisitBritain.
• EEAE judging takes place from October to January and involves a mystery visit. The EEAE shortlist will be announced in February 2009 and short listed entrants will be invited to attend the national award ceremony held in April 2009.

6. Please return your entry to:

Janet Smith
One NorthEast
Stella House
Newburn Riverside
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE15 8NY
0191 2296841
janet.smith@onenortheast.co.uk

The closing date is Friday 20th June

NB you may email your entry form and then send supporting evidence by post. Please ensure this is clearly marked with your name, business and category entered

Hints and Tips for Successful Entries

This information is designed to help you to understand the requirements of the entry form and explains what the judges will be looking for from your answers in each of the sections.

General advice

• Answer all the questions. Marks are awarded for each question and any missed questions will mean your entry cannot be short listed.
• Use the word limit available. If the question allows 200 words then this is the amount of information the judges are expecting you to provide
• If you want to handwrite your entry, make sure it is clear and easy to read.

Commitment to excellence

This section allows you to demonstrate what you have done to ensure you are a quality business providing an excellent service or experience for your visitors.

For example:

• What sort of welcome / first impressions do your visitors receive?
• What facilities or services do you provide?
• What do you do to make your visitors feel special?
• How to you make sure you are better than the competition?

Accessibility

This section allows you to demonstrate how you have attempted to make your business accessible to as many people as possible. This doesn't just mean wheelchair users but anyone with a whole range of special requirements from hearing impairments to dietary needs, from the elderly to parents with pushchairs.

For example:

• What information do you provide for visitors and in what formats?
• What facilities, equipment and services do you provide for less able visitors?

Sustainability

This section allows you to demonstrate how you have considered the environmental impact of your business and its activities.

For example:

• How do you reduce the amount of water and energy you use?
• How do you get your customers/staff involved?

Marketing

How do people find out about your business? This section allows you demonstrate who your customers are, how you target them and how they find out about you.

For example:

• How do you advertise?
• What type of people are your customers?

Staff training and development

This section allows you to demonstrate how you value your staff and recognise them as a key aspect for the success of your business.

For example:

• How do you make your staff feel valued?
• How do you ensure they are trained to perform their jobs roles to the highest standards?