Returning to his home region, Ayo Akinwolere, former Blue Peter presenter and current BBC journalist and presenter, will host the event, which will bring together businesses and individuals from across the West Midlands’ accommodation, arts, food & drink, visitor attraction and heritage sectors.  

Taking place during English Tourism Week (15-24 March), the awards ceremony will crown finalists in categories including Experience of the Year, New Tourism Business and Taste of the West Midlands.  

Some 39 of the region’s top tourism businesses will compete in 14 categories, including the recently confirmed contenders for the Event/Festival of the Year category. Nominees competing for this award include Birmingham Festival 23, The Midlands Air Festival, Moseley Folk & Arts Festival and Shrewsbury Food Festival. 

Now in their fourth cycle, the awards are delivered by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) – the region’s destination marketing agency – which, this year, is offering a number of partnership opportunities for businesses to enjoy a platform to engage with the best of the West Midlands’ tourism industry. For more information on becoming a sponsor, visit makeitwm.com/wmta/partners-and-sponsorship.  

Andrew Lovett, chair of the West Midlands Tourism and Hospitality Advisory Board, said:  

“The time is nearly upon us again. The West Midlands Tourism Awards return, with this year’s nominees getting our attention because they have achieved something important, not just good. Tourism and hospitality is a cause worth winning, and the winners at the ceremony at Bear Grylls Adventure in March will boost all our work to offer the best.  

“These awards are a reward for talent, service, commitment and good business.  

“Congratulations to all the nominees, and good luck!” 

Ayo Akinwolere, former Blue Peter presenter and current BBC journalist and presenter, said:  

“I’m incredibly honoured to be hosting the West Midlands Tourism Awards - as a proud Brummie and a part of the Birmingham 2022 team for the BBC, it was a joy to see the region flourish and reimagine itself and for people to see the beauty we possess here in the West Midlands.”  

To buy tickets and for more information about the 2024 West Midlands Tourism Awards, visit makeitwm.com/wmta.