NOMINATIONS are now being taken for Liverpool City Region's annual Tourism Awards.

After such a difficult 18 months, the Visitor Economy Board for Liverpool City Region unanimously agreed that the Tourism Awards are a great way for the sector to come together and celebrate the very best of what the city region - which includes Wirral - has to offer.

A glittering ceremony is now being planned to take place on March 10, 2022.

New categories will include a 'resilience and innovation' award and 'unsung hero' category.

There will also be the return of the 'hidden gem' category, which highlights the city region's best kept secrets and is voted for by the general public.

Laura Pye, chair of the visitor economy board and director of National Museums Liverpool, said: "This has, without doubt, been the most challenging time for all our visitor economy businesses, but we believe there is still much to celebrate and look back on with pride.

"From innovative new ways of working, to the determination showed by so many to safely re-open our beautiful, vibrant and exciting city once more for visitors, we've seen just what our creative and hard-working sector can achieve.

"I look forward to seeing the nominations and being reminded of the real moments of light which have helped us all get through the difficulties of the past 18 months."

Headline sponsor of the awards is Liverpool BID (Business Improvement District) Company.

Its chief executive, Bill Addy, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the Tourism Awards because it is a chance to celebrate those who have worked so hard during such a challenging period for this sector that means so much to our city region.

"There's a reason why we are the Culture & Commerce BID: Tourism and Business work hand in hand in Liverpool, each supporting and strengthening the other.

"Not only does it support so many jobs, tourism ensures we are able to provide a warm welcome to those who want to explore everything we have to offer, from hospitality and hotels to galleries and golf courses."

Pete Sandman, head of visitor economy at Growth Platform, said: "We are very proud how many of our tourism and hospitality businesses have shown true resilience and strength throughout the pandemic - the desire and determination to keep their business afloat and come back stronger has been extraordinary.

"We are calling on every one of those businesses to take a good look at the award categories, put an application in and come and celebrate our amazing industry in style."

Applications are open for the next six weeks and any tourism related businesses based in Liverpool City Region are invited to apply.

For a full list of categories go to www.lcrtourismawards.com