Latest News

2009/11/26

The awards celebrate the ‘best in the South West' and aim to promote and reward the leading businesses and individuals in the tourism industry. This year, Devon produced winners in 10 of the 16 categories.

Guest speaker and presenter at this year’s event was Gill Williams, Travel Editor of the Sunday Mirror, who added her own anecdotes and comments on the region’s winners.

Julie Baugh, Director at Thurlestone Hotel was thrilled to pick up the Gold Award for Large Hotel of the Year and commented, “This is fantastic recognition to all my team for their hard work and support in conjunction with all the guests who visit us year after year. I’m hugely proud of this prestigious award.”

The 15 Gold Award winners, including Thurlestone Hotel will now go on to represent the region at the National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in 2010.

Liz Hodges from The Globe Hotel in Topsham said of their achievement, “We are absolutely delighted to have been given a Silver Award in the sustainable category. It is something we have always been very passionate about and feel that it becomes more and more important each year to our industry and our customers. Our success will certainly give us and our local area a big boost, thank you.”

Silver Awards went to the following thirteen Devon businesses.
• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year - Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, Totnes & Escot, Ottery St. Mary
• Bed & Breakfast of the Year – The Salty Monk, Sidmouth
• Sustainable Tourism Award – The Globe, Topsham & Mazzard Farm Holiday Cottages, Ottery St. Mary
• Small County Hotel of the Year – Ilsington Country House Hotel, Newton Abbot
• Access for All – Atlantis Holiday Apartments, Torquay
• Taste of the South West – Darts Farm, Topsham
• Business Tourism Award – Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay & Event Exeter
• Holiday Park of the Year – Woodovis Park, Tavistock & Dornafield, Newton Abbot
• Outstanding Customer Service – Simon Mansfield, Ashvale Holiday Park, Paignton

These awards have proven their worth in presenting an opportunity to businesses to showcase their quality not just to the media and customers, but to build morale amongst staff and gain recognition throughout the community. Entrants need to demonstrate outstanding levels of customer service, plus exemplary facilities, along with a commitment to sustainability, recycling and the environment and being accessible to all.

Jamie Christon, Visit Devon’s Acting Chairman, said “I wish to personally congratulate all fourteen Devon winners. All these businesses have worked extremely hard to reach the finals of these very competitive awards. This recognition is truly deserved and we will be all supporting the Thurlestone Hotel as they fly the flag for Devon at the national awards next year.”

Alistair Handyside, Chairman of South West Tourism, said: “Many congratulations to all of this year’s winners who have exceeded our expectations once again. These businesses continually strive for excellence and I look forward to seeing them on the national stage next year as they proudly support our region.”