Finalists announced for this year's Devon Tourism Awards

Finalists have been announced for the 14^th year of the Devon Tourism Awards which will be presented in the Riviera International Centre, Torquay on 16th November.

The awards have seen an increase to 142 entries this year and after three months of judging, 70 finalists have been announced. All will be in suspense until the Awards Ceremony when they will learn whether they have won Gold, Silver or Bronze awards. A further 3 awards will be announced on the night and 11 will receive Commended status. The competition is now in its 14^th year and has continued to develop and modernise to reflect the ongoing innovation across tourism. This year has seen a greater-than-ever focus on accessible and inclusive tourism as well as sustainability, customer service and digital excellence.

Winners will be announced in the Riviera International Centre on 16th November, with successful businesses in many categories fast-tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March 2024 and possibly nominated to represent Devon in the national VisitEngland Awards.

Lawrence Palk, Director of B2B Sales from headline sponsors, Wildanet, says: “Wildanet are delighted to be supporting The Devon Tourism Awards this year. Devon has so much to offer as a tourism destination in the UK, if not the World; and the Devon Tourism Awards are a fantastic stage on which to showcase and celebrate those incredible businesses that are flying the flag for the region. Many congratulations to all the finalists, and on behalf of everyone here at Wildanet, we wish you all the very best of luck and look forward to a wonderful night of celebration on 16th November.”

Awards organiser, Robin Barker of Services for Tourism, commented: “Each year I am astounded that tourism businesses can continue to innovate and reinvent themselves, and this year is no exception, with outstanding examples of excellence in all sectors. Huge congratulations to everyone, and many thanks to all our sponsors and partners for making the awards possible.”

The 23 award categories cover everything from glamping, hotels and attractions to dog-friendly, experiences, cafés and unsung heroes. A Winner of Winners title and special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award will also be presented on the night.

For a full list of finalists see below:

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award (sponsored by Lifeworks)

Finalists:
Arlington Court & National Trust Carriage Museum, Barnstaple
Lower Keats Glamping, Axminster
Seaton Tramway, Seaton

B&B and Guesthouse of the Year (sponsored by Booking.com)

Finalists:
Heathcliffe House, Lynton
Riverside B&B, Newton Abbot
Waterfront House, Dartmouth

Commended:
One Drake Road, Tavistock

Business Events Venue of the Year (sponsored by VoltShare)

Finalists:
Dartmoor Zoo, Plymouth
Raceworld, Woodbury Salterton

Café/Tearoom of the Year (sponsored by Curworthy Cheese)

Finalists:
Alder Vineyard, Okehampton
Nectary Restaurant, South Molton
North Coast Café, Lynton
The Kitchen, Sidmouth

Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year (sponsored by Wildanet)

Finalists:
Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, Lynmouth
Stowford Village, Ilfracombe
Wray Valley Camping, Newton Abbot

Casual Dining Award (Vickery Holman)

Finalists:
Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe
Pig and Olive, Bideford
The Cove Café Bar, Kingsbridge

Dog Friendly Business of the Year (sponsored by the Samphire Club)

Finalists:
Millbrook Cottage & Estate, Umberleigh
Rill House, Slapton
Sleepy Owl Devon, Bideford
The Duck and Bean, Tiverton

Commended:
Mill End Hotel, Chagford

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award (sponsored by Quality in Tourism)

Finalists:
Brackenhill Glamping, Ivybridge
Lower Keats Glamping, Axminster
Princesshay, Exeter
Sleepy Owl Devon, Bideford

Experience of the Year (sponsored by Granny Gothards)

Finalists:
Fire School - High Grange Devon, Axminster
Indoor Karting - Raceworld, Woodbury Salterton
Naughty but Nice Retreats - Devon Dogs, Okehampton
Raptor - Torquay Watersports, Torquay
The Story Tram - Seaton Tramway, Seaton

Commended:
Go Adventuring - Adventure Okehampton, Okehampton
An Introduction to Stool Making - The Weld Space, Plymouth

Glamping Business of the Year (sponsored by Anytime Booking)

Finalists:
Brackenhill Glamping, Ivybridge
Dittisham Hideaway - Threehouses and Shepherd's Lodges, Dittisham
Lower Keats Glamping, Axminster
Valleyside Escapes, Tiverton

Holiday Park of the Year (sponsored by Tozers)

Finalists:
Beverley Holidays, Paignton
Cofton Holidays, Dawlish
Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Budleigh Salteron

Commended:
South Bay Holiday Park, Brixham

Large Hotel of the Year (sponsored by Guestline)

Finalists:
Bovey Castle, North Bovey
Lincombe Hall, Torquay
The Manor & Ashbury Resorts, Okehampton

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year (sponsored by Plymouth Business School)

Finalists:
Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, Exeter
Seaton Tramway, Seaton
The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth
The Milky Way Adventure Park, Bideford

New Tourism Business Award (sponsored by Devon Contract Waste)

Finalists:
Sleepy Owl Devon, Bideford
The Old Warehouse, Kingsbridge
Whitebeam Wood, Slapton