7 South West Tourism Awards winners are through to the VisitEngland finals
Seven South West Tourism Awards winners are through to the VisitEngland finals to compete for the tourism industry’s annual national Awards for Excellence.
VisitEngland has today announced the 48 finalists who will go forward to compete for the tourism industry’s annual national Awards for Excellence and seven businesses from the 2022/23 South West Tourism Awards have made it through. The finalists are:
- Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award: Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, Bristol www.noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk and WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire www.wwt.org.uk/wetland-centres/slimbridge
- Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year: Hendra Holiday Park, Cornwall www.Hendra-holidays.com
- Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award: The Cottages at Blackadon Farm, Devon www.cottagesatblackadonfarm.co.uk
- Large Hotel of the Year: Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort, Wiltshire www.bowood.org/hotel
- Small Hotel of the Year: THE PIG-at Combe, Devon www.thepighotel.com/at-combe/
- Small Visitor Attraction of the Year: PK Porthcurno, Cornwall www.pkporthcurno.com
They will have to wait until the national awards ceremony on 7 June at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, to find out if they win Gold, Silver or Bronze.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said “This impressive list of finalists demonstrates the innovation and excellence thriving across England’s tourism industry. The quality and number of applications also highlights the outstanding range of products and experiences on offer for both domestic and international visitors. We wish the finalists the very best of luck.”
Awards organiser Robin Barker said “It’s great to see so many of our awards entrants progressing on to national recognition, having already been winners in county schemes and the South West. It shows their commitment to excellence and I offer them my hearty congratulations and the best of luck in the national awards.”
Rebecca Pearce, finalist Hendra Holiday Park said “We’re so chuffed to have made it to the prestigious Visit England finals after winning Gold at the recent SW Tourism Awards. What a fantastic achievement for all of our team – we’re very proud and this national accolade represents a lot of hard work, dedication and investment over the years. We are very much looking forward to representing Cornwall at the awards ceremony in London.”
Marcus Bailey and Ryan Lynch, finalist Blackadon Farm said “As owners of The Cottages at Blackadon Farm, we feel so privileged to be recognised by Visit England as one of the top three tourism businesses. Our ethics, being responsible and sustainable are at the heart of our business and delighted to be recognised for what we’re doing”.
Chris Charles, finalist THE PIG-at Combe said “We really couldn’t be more excited to have made it through to the finals of the Visit England awards in the Small Hotel Category. It is a real honour to be considered amongst the other fantastic leaders and innovators in the tourism and hospitality industry in this country as a part of the awards, and we are so proud of each and every member of our team that makes the experience at THE PIG-at Combe what it is. We are passionate about the hospitality industry and its future, and recognising the herculean efforts that all of these businesses go to to keep this vital part of our economy going is something we cant wait to be a part of on 7th June!”
The route into VisitEngland national awards is via the South West Tourism Awards which are now open for 2023/24 entries. These awards cover the full range of tourism-related businesses including pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as accommodation, wedding and business venues, visitor information centres, attractions, events and experiences. As well as opportunities to submit entries for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, accessibility, sustainability and water efficiency. All entries must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday 18 June. The awards are free to enter being supported by many sponsors and partners.
