How to write a tourism award submission that actually wins (even if you’re time poor)

You know your business deserves recognition — but the thought of writing a tourism award submission? Overwhelming.

Where do you start? What do the judges want? And how do you find the time?

Whether you’re a small operator juggling daily tasks or a destination manager trying to help your region shine, this guide will show you how to write a tourism award submission that stands out — even if your schedule is jam-packed.

1. Tell a compelling story with data

Judges read dozens of entries — you need a story that sticks and the stats to back it up.

• Share your why: What drives your business?

• Highlight what makes you different.

• Use numbers to prove your impact: visitor growth, customer satisfaction, sustainability achievements, community engagement, and so on.

Your goal is to give clear, evidence-based responses that match what they’re asking for — not just what you want to say.

Tip: Don’t bury your best achievements — lead with them.

3. Use plain English and a clear structure

The Trap:
Getting caught in buzzwords, jargon, or overly long responses.

The Win:

• Use conversational, confident language.

• Format your answers using headings, dot points and bolded stats to help time-poor judges scan and understand your entry quickly.

Tips:

• Don’t assume the judges knows what abbreviations stand for. Always write them out in full the first time you use them.

• Use AI to re-write your draft to improve readability and engagement.
  

4. Reuse (and refine) existing content

You don’t have to start from scratch. Repurpose content in your

• Business plan or marketing strategy

• Website copy or brochures

• Existing reports or customer feedback

Then refine it to align with the award criteria.

Tips:

• If you didn’t write a business plan or marketing plan a year ago, think back to where you were in your head back then and note down what it was you were wanting to work on and what you wanted achieve.

• If you don’t have a business plan, use this time spent on award writing to write one for the coming financial year! Tourism awards are all about what did you plan to do, and how did you go?

5. Add the X-factor: photos, testimonials & impact

Back up your claims with:

• Great visuals (especially of visitors enjoying your experience)

• Short testimonials

• Evidence of your broader impact (on your community, environment or region)

These turn a good entry into a winning one.

Short on time? Here’s a 3-step award hack:

1. Copy the questions into a Word document and write dot-point answers for each.

2. Set a timer for 30 minutes per section — done is better than perfect.

3. Ask a second set of eyes to review your entry for clarity and typos.
   

Want expert help writing an award submission that actually wins?

Explore our tourism award submission review service — we've helped clients win national awards.

Note: This article was written with the support of AI.