The Cumbria Tourism Awards have opened their nominations to businesses based in the county.

Firms can enter 17 separate award categories in total covering a variety of areas of the £2.6bn tourism industry in Cumbria.

The awards ceremony is now in its 15th year of celebrating the best of what Cumbria has to offer.

The winners will be announced at a black tie awards ceremony on Wednesday, June 21 at Cartmel Racecourse.

Some of the winners from the awards will go on to represent the county at the Visit England Awards for Excellence in 2018.

Rachel Tyson, head of marketing and sales at Cumbria Tourism, said: “We are delighted that the Cumbria Tourism Awards get bigger and better each year with categories to suit all tourism businesses.

“Now in their 15th year they continue to celebrate the very best of tourism in the county, and we highly recommend that businesses take the opportunity to enter, to get the recognition they deserve.

“We look forward to receiving the entries over the next few weeks.”

The self catering holiday of the year award has been split into two new categories, self catering holiday property of the year and self catering holiday provider of the year to recognise the diversity in the industry.

In 2016 Askham Hall won guest accommodation of the year and the brand new category of wedding venue of the year, which is set to return in 2017.

Marie-Louisa Raeburn from Askham Hall said: “We were over the moon to win both ‘Guest Accommodation of the Year’ and also the brand-new category ‘Wedding Venue of the Year’ in 2016.

“Having been open for barely two years, the whole team is thrilled to have been recognised for our excellent customer service, welcoming atmosphere, first class facilities and high quality food.”

Awards judges will be looking for tourism businesses that demonstrate excellence and innovation across their products and services

In 2016 Parkcliffe Caravan and Camping Estate won holiday park of the year, Susan Dickson, from from the camping estate said: “Winning at the Cumbria Tourism Awards is a huge morale boost for our hardworking team, it’s recognition of the quality service they provide and it highlights to us that the business is continuously moving in the right direction.

“Awards like these motivate us all to do better, continue to provide the best service possible and go the extra mile.”