Shortlisting

All entries are judged on the application submitted and supporting evidence provided. All applications in the categories are shortlisted by an independent adjudicator down to a maximum of five or six per category using the criteria provided.

Mystery Shopping

The following categories will be mystery shopped by an independent mystery shopping organisation:

• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
• Small Hotel/Bed & Breakfast of the Year
• Serviced Apartment of the Year
• Large Hotel of the Year

The shortlisted entries are then judged by an independent judging panel. All awards are judged on the strength of their application, supporting evidence provided, and, where applicable, their mystery shop report. The judges are comprehensively briefed beforehand. If the judges see fit, they will award a highly commended in some categories as well as a winner. All judges' decisions are final.

Judging Panel

• The judging panel is made up of senior representatives from established Northwest organisations. They are not necessarily connected with tourism but have an interest in the quality of product within the region. 
• Visit Manchester is not involved in the judging process
  

From the moment of submission, all applications, supporting evidence and mystery shop reports are treated as highly confidential.