A capacity audience of the best tourism businesses from across the region witnessed 70 trophies being presented to the winners at the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards ceremony held at Somerset County Cricket Club last night.
After 6 months of assessing evidence and judging by a panel of experts the winners were announced by Laura Rawlings from BBC Radio Bristol, who was joined on stage by Marcus Trescothick MBE. The winners were all presented with individually crafted hand inscribed awards by Will Shakspeare, from Shakspeare Glass in Langport.
Somerset based organiser Nell Barrington said “these awards showcase the best that Somerset, Bristol and Bath have to offer visitors; from food and drink to attractions, experiences, accommodation and new for this year, guided tours. I hope that as many as possible can go on to win in the South West and then VisitEngland Awards, to raise the profile of this magnificent area.”
Pete Downes, of Bristol Airport, the Headline Sponsor said “We are delighted to support the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards. It is inspirational to see the range of attractions and organisations represented at the Awards and hear the individual stories of hard work and success from across the region’s visitor economy. We know first-hand, inbound visitors from across our route network are attracted to the diversity of this area. All successful regional airports need a thriving tourism sector on their doorstep, and so it is pleasing for us to be able to show our appreciation by supporting these awards. As part of our recently-announced three year partnership with VisitBritain, we look forward to increasing our work with airlines, tourist bodies and destinations promoting the South West region via the international gateway of Bristol Airport.”
Successful businesses in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Awards will now be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in February 2018 and then possibly on to the National Visit England Awards later in 2018.
Photography by Nick Williams Photographer.
For a full list of winners click here.