Supported by the West Midlands Growth Company, which aims to attract visitors and events to the region, the awards will celebrate the venues that have helped to bring a record 131 million visitors to the area in 2018 - a 2.6% increase on the previous year. The West Midlands' tourism industry is now worth £12.6 billion, a rise of 6.7%. The sector supports more than 135,000 jobs.
Roger Mendonca, Chief Operating Officer of the West Midlands Growth Company, said:
"The West Midlands Tourism Awards will shine a spotlight on the venues that have helped make this unique region a destination of choice for national and international visitors, with tourist numbers, spend and hotel occupancy at an all-time high.
"We received a high standard of entry for our awards from more than 75 tourism businesses, and congratulate those venues who have got the nod from industry experts following a very competitive shortlisting process.
"We look forward to recognising the stars of our tourism scene in February and encourage companies to get in touch with us to find out how they can raise their profile by supporting the event."
The West Midlands is gearing up to welcome more visitors in 2020, with the International Dance Festival Birmingham; Ozzy Osbourne's farewell gig in Solihull; and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Europa League campaign among the events set to attract domestic and overseas guests to the region.
