VISITORS and residents have until the end of the month to send in nominations for the Isle of Man Tourism Awards 2011.

The awards are now in their fifth year and are proving to be a popular way to showcase what the Isle of Man has to offer.

There are nine categories in total: best customer service, best hotel accommodation, best guest accommodation, best self catering accommodation, best eating out experience, best campsite and hostel, best attraction, best town/village and event of the year.

Nomination cards are available for collection from a number of distribution points including the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Douglas, railway stations, commissioners offices and Manx National Heritage attractions.

Completed forms can either be returned by post or dropped into one of the many collection boxes around the Island.

Economic Development Minister Allan Bell said: "I am pleased to be involved with the Tourism Awards which are part of the department's strategic objective of encouraging quality and service in the tourism and hospitality industry.

"The range of categories reflects the quality, performance and innovation of our tourism industry on the Isle of Man and gives businesses the opportunity to show how they stand out from the crowd."

Political Member for Tourism Geoff Corkish said: "We are delighted to be part of the initiative to recognise the contribution of these businesses to the Island's success.

"It is a great pleasure to see the hard work and commitment of professionals in the industry being recognised through the Tourism Awards."

The deadline for nominations is September 30 and the judging of the awards by independent judges will take place in October. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the end of the year.