Tourism businesses in Poole are vying for glory with the launch of the new "Palms" awards.

Four Palms awards are being sponsored by Poole commercial property agents Sibbett Gregory and supported by the Echo:

Tourism Personality of the Year 2003;

Long Term Contribution to Tourism in Poole;

Best Tourism Development;

Promotion of the Year.

Jonathan Sibbett said: "These awards will celebrate best practice in the town, they recognise and reward the drive for quality, commitment and innovation in tourism in Poole."

The Palms awards ceremony is due to take place in October at the Harbour Heights Hotel, Sandbanks.

Compere at the event will be Poole Tourism Partnership chairman Bruce Grant-Braham, whose visions for the borough include the greening of the Quay with palm trees.

The awards support Poole Tourism's strategic aim to improve quality and are set to become an annual event.

For more information on the Sibbett Gregory Palm Awards for Tourism in Poole, contact Emma Watson, Poole Tourism, e.watson@poole.gov.uk, 01202 262673 or Jayne Sharman, Sibbett Gregory, jayne@sibbettgregory.com, 01202 661177.