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Tourism businesses across the South West joined together at Exeter Cathedral for the South West Tourism Excellence awards with Tourism For All members being represented across a variety of categories.
This year’s events was one of the biggest ever, with 374 guests attending and 107 awards being presented following a rigorous judging process in which a record 773 entries were considered. The 559 shortlisted businesses were then visited by a team of fifty mystery shoppers, the top performers in matching categories will now be nominated for the national VisitEngland Awards, which take place in the summer.
Prior to the ceremony, guests were treated to a performance from Ilsington CofE Primary School and heard a special grace from the Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, the Dean of Exeter.
The Roman Baths in Bath and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in Bristol were the night’s big winners. Both were named in the Accessibility and Inclusivity Award with the Roman Baths walking away with Gold and Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm being commended. Noah’s Ark were also commended for their commitment to ethics in the Ethical Tourism Category.
Image: The Roman Baths, photo from Nick Williams.
The Roman Baths also received Gold in the International Tourism Award and the Large Visitor Attraction Award, for which Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park were commended.
The Calvert Trust were also commended in the Active and Sporting category.
Following the event, the guests were invited to speak to Kai Horstmann and Greg Holmes, former international rugby players who are both part of the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Team.
Jeremy Mitchell, the Marketing and Communications Director at St Austell Brewery, the headline sponsor for this year’s event, said: “There are so many businesses and individuals in our region that deserve to be recognised for their outstanding contribution and world-class hospitality. We’d like to congratulate those who were awarded for their best practice, hard work and excellent service. It was a fantastic night of celebration and all the winners should feel extremely proud of all that they continue to achieve.”
Robin Barker, from Services to Tourism, who organised the awards, said: “I never cease to be amazed by the innovation, dedication and imagination of our tourism businesses, not to mention their sheer hard work. It’s humbling to be part of this and I’d like to add my congratulations to all the winners.”
Congratulations to all our Tourism For All members who were nominated and awarded for the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, a full list of the winners can be found here.
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Calvert Kielder has been providing amazing and memorable holidays, days and experiences for people of all abilities for 35 years creating a deep understanding of the relationship between fun challenges, learning and living – for anyone and everyone.
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is the home of the big zoo animals including African Elephants, White Rhino, Giraffes, Lions and Bears. You’ll be amazed at the variety of nature you’ll see within the biggest zoo in the South West.
