You can now vote for your favourite Hidden Gem to be recognised at the LCR Tourism Awards

We’ve all got our favourite places in the city because, when it comes to hospitality, Liverpool can’t be beaten.

It’s well-known for the warm welcome it gives to visitors as well as its own – and applauding that has never been more needed. The Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards are all about giving those who give us a great time a well-deserved pat on the back and the credit they deserve.

There are 19 categories from Hotel of the Year and New Tourism Business of the Year, to Business Events Venue and Eurovision Experience Award – a new one for 2023!

The shortlist has now been announced, but it’s not just about rewarding the big boys. It’s about giving a round of applause to all those special places only you and your mates might know about.

Think about that little café you always get your brekkie from on the way to work or as a treat at the weekend, or that bar that’s a little bit special because of the live music or the events it puts on.

There might be a cute B&B you go to because the owners always make a point of remembering your name or making sure you feel right at home the moment you step over the door; or maybe it’s a restaurant that rolls out the red carpet to greet you whether you were last there a week ago – or last year.

There might even be an adventure trail or a tourist attraction that’s away from the beaten track that’s been a real find – and it would be great to let other people know it’s there, as well as give those behind it some well-earned praise.

Well now’s your chance.

The Guide Liverpool is teaming up with Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards to catapult those Hidden Gems into the spotlight – and you get to help decide who they are.

The ‘Hidden Gem’ category is back again for 2023, voted for by the public and aimed at recognising the region’s ‘best kept secret’.

We’re asking for all your suggestions for this year’s Hidden Gem in the Liverpool City Region – it can be in Liverpool, Halton, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens, or Wirral.

Voting closes at midnight on Friday, November 24, so let us know who you think would be a worthy holder of this coveted title. The top 10 Hidden Gems will go forward to a second round of public voting to decide who is the winner.

The overall winner will be revealed at the awards ceremony to be held at Liverpool Cathedral on Thursday, February 29, 2024, when, not only will they be crowned Hidden Gem 2023, they will also win a ‘Gold Package’ from The Guide to help promote their business and put them firmly on the tourism map. 

The Guide Liverpool director Jay Hynd says: “We love helping Liverpool City Region find its tourism Hidden Gem every year, and we need your suggestions to help showcase the very best of our area. 

“Once again the winner will receive a full promo package from The Guide Liverpool which includes a shiny new video filmed at the winning venue or attraction, so get in touch and make your vote count for your favourite venue or attraction.”

The awards are organised by the Growth Platform, held in association with headline sponsor Liverpool BID Company.

Vote for your favourite Hidden Gem at the Liverpool Tourism Awards here.