There is a new category in the department of tourism and leisure's 2008 awards.

Visitors and residents can nominate a tourism business, organisation or individual by telling the judges about their experience of outstanding quality or service.

There are a total of 12 award categories, with others including accommodation of the year, best town or village, taxi driver of the year, best coastal and cultural experiences, the area of most scenic natural beauty, and event of the year.

Launching the 2008 awards, political member Geoff Corkish (pictured) said they tied in closely with the department's aim of driving up quality and service in the tourism and hospitality sectors.