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The finalists for the Devon Tourism Awards 2020 have been announced

26th January 2021

Categories: Visitor News

After an extended ten month programme, the finalists have been announced for the 2020 Devon Tourism Awards.

124 entries were received into the awards, with 66 selected as finalists who are now in suspense until the Awards day scheduled for 11 Mar, when they will learn whether they have won Gold, Silver, Bronze or a Special award. A further 13 receive Commended status. The 11^th year of the competition has been run in unprecedented times for tourism, but the focus on excellence and feedback for entrants has remained as relevant as ever.

Deborah Heather of headline sponsors, Quality in Tourism, says: “The resilience and quality of the Devon Tourism industry is particularly impressive in the current climate; we've seen some remarkable businesses worthy of the highest accolades. Quality in Tourism is proud to be Headline sponsor of the Devon Tourism awards and to work with such an amazing group of businesses.”

Simon Fishwick, Company Secretary of VisitDevon, comments: “It really is amazing how many of our wonderful businesses entered the Devon Tourism awards this year. The past year has been difficult for so many businesses however to see the high standard of the entries and the innovative approach being shown by many is really heart-warming. Well done to all of the finalists and good luck on the day! For those not listed keep trying - just remember that there has to be a winner and it could be you next time! Overall, the industry is looking well placed for the recovery - plenty of wonderful accommodation, delicious food and drink and a great variety of first class attractions.”

Awards organiser, Robin Barker of Services for Tourism, added: “The past 10 months have been a challenge for everyone – to survive let alone prosper. We have heard so many stories from entrants – of innovation, adaptation, and reinvention – and of course for some of desperation. Having considered abandoning the Awards for the year I’m so glad we persevered, adapting and changing along the way to reflect the ever-changing situation. The delight we’re witnessing amongst finalists on being told of their success makes it all so worthwhile!”

We’d like to congratulate the following members who have been acknowledged as finalists in this year’s awards.

The Cary Arms and Spa, who are named in the Casual Dining Award. They are also a finalist in the Small Hotel of the Year Award, alongside Gara Rock.

In the Dog Friendly Business of the Year category, Bolberry Farm Cottages are one of the finalists, while Harford Birdge Holiday Park have been named in the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award.

Devon Yurt, who are named in Glamping Business of the Year, alongside Valleyside Escapes, who have been commended in the same category.

Andrewshayes, Ladram Bay and Lady’s Mile are all finalists for Holiday Park of the Year, with Sandaway Beach Holiday Park being commended in the same category.

Gara Rock is named in the Restaurant of the Year category, which is being sponsored by Plymouth Gin. Gara Rock are also a finalist in the Wedding Venue of the Year Award, as well as finalists in the Small Hotel of the Year Award alongside the Cary Arms and Haytor Hotel, who are commended. The Headland Hotel and Spa are commended in the Large Hotel of the Year category.

Higher Wiscombe and Lower Campscott Farm Cottages are both finalists in the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year award and Stowford Farm Meadows are named in the Tourism Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year.

Quince Honey Farm and The Big Sheep are both finalists in the Tourism Innovation Award, with the Lynton and Lynmouth Railway being commended. In the Visitor Attraction of the Year category, Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway are named as finalists alongside Pennywell Farm and Quince Honey Farm.

A number of individuals have also been recognised. Chris Murray of Pennywell Farm and Dick Wood, chair of DATA and South Devon Railway who are both finalists in Business Leader of the Year. Pennywell Farm’s Hannah Pattie is also up for the Unsung Hero Award, alongside Ian Stewart, who sadly passed away last year, from Stewart Line Cruises, Naomi Hunt from Powderham Castle and Sereny Damon from the Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Good luck to all our members!
You can find a full list of finalists at devontourismawards.org.uk