Tourism businesses from across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall have been named as Finalists in this year’s South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

The news follows an awards process which started in April 2023, with nearly 500 entries submitted, a rigorous judging process and many winning in their county schemes in Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Bath and Somerset, and Dorset.  The top performers have now been named for the regional final to be held in the Great Hall of Exeter University on 14 March.

All the finalists will have to wait until 14th March to learn whether they have won Gold, Silver or Bronze.  Many will also be nominated to represent the South West in the national VisitEngland awards later in the year.

The Awards, which have themselves retained their ‘Outstanding’ accolade in the Awards Trust Mark scheme, are recognised for their rigour with independent judges spending months poring over entry submissions, websites, social media and review sites, as well as carrying out business visits. Reports and recommendations were then submitted to an independent panel that made the final decisions.

Several Visit Devon members have made the list of finalists, including:

Dartmoor Zoo | Business Events Venue of the Year (Commended)

Alder Vineyard | Café/Tearoom of the Year and Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

Cary Arms & Spa | Casual Dining Award

Sleepy Owl | Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Tourism Award, New Tourism Business Award and Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

Seaton Tramway | Experience of the Year (Active or Learning) for Story Tram and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year 

Valleyside Escapes | Glamping Business of the Year

Cofton Holidays | Holiday Park of the Year

Ladram Bay Holiday Park | Holiday Park of the Year

Bovey Castle | Large Hotel of the Year

The Milky Way Adventure Park | Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

Lympstone Manor | Small Hotel of the Year

Our friends at English Riviera Visitor Information Centre, Plymouth Tourist Information Centre and Exmoor National Park Centre have all been named as finalists in Visitor Information Service of the Year.

Robin Barker, Director of Services for Tourism Ltd, who manages the Awards, added: “It is an honour to be associated with the excellence witnessed across these outstanding businesses, many of whom have not just survived tough times but have innovated, invested and delivered outstanding service to the region’s visitors.  Well done to them all.”  

Congratulations to all our members recognised by the South West Tourism Excellence Awards. 

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