On Thursday 23rd March, the winners of the Devon Tourism Awards descended upon the Eden Project for the South West England Tourism Excellence Awards. The annual event was the culmination of 12 months of entry, judging and feedback as nearly 300 winners, supporters and tourism leaders celebrated at Eden Project. In what has been another difficult year for the industry, many winners are now progressing on to the national VisitEngland awards, in which the South West has been top-performing region for over 5 years.
For a small corner of Devon, Ottery St Mary has certainly made an impact at the region’s awards. With two gold winners and one silver, it really is a testament to our town’s hospitality sector.
Winning Silver in the Casual Dining Award is Coldharbour Field Kitchen.
Winning Gold and progressing onto the National Awards in the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award is Mazzard Farm.
And winning Gold and progressing onto the National Awards in Small Hotel of the Year is The PIG - at Combe.
Steve Hayfield, Customer Experience and Delivery Director at headline sponsor South West Water, said: “We are proud to be continuing our relationship with the South West Tourism Awards, recognising that a thriving tourism industry is essential to the economic wellbeing of our beautiful region. Once again we are delighted to celebrate the many outstanding businesses across our region.”
Robin Barker, Director of Services for Tourism Ltd, who manage the Awards, added: “What a delight to be in the company of the region’s best, and at one of our most iconic venues. The conversations and celebrations were a real joy – I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!”
Co-Director Nell Barrington added: “It was fantastic to see so much happiness and celebration among the best business in South West England after another difficult year for hospitality and tourism, congratulations to them all.”
