The best of the South West were celebrating last week (6th February) at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, held amidst a stunning light show in Exeter Cathedral.
After a record year for the Tourism Awards it was fitting for the annual celebration to return to the splendour of Exeter Cathedral to recognise the region’s most excellent tourism businesses.
With 374 guests booked, it was the biggest annual regional gathering of South West tourism businesses, with 107 different awards presented following a rigorous judging process in which a record 773 entries were considered. Before the awards commenced the audience were delighted to witness a ‘Haka’ from the children of Ilsington CofE Primary School and to hear about the Cathedral’s central role in the community from the Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter.
Top performers in matching categories will now go on to be nominated for the national VisitEngland Awards, with the potential to become national winners in summer 2020.
Jeremy Mitchell, marketing and communications director, St Austell Brewery – headline sponsor of this year’s South West Tourism Awards says: “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 of the winners should feel extremely proud of all that they continue to achieve.”
Awards organiser, Robin Barker of Services for Tourism, 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.”