Yesterday was a day of great celebration for the winners of the Bristol Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards. For the first time since its launch five years ago the fifty five winners from across the county received their awards virtually.
After a gruelling year for tourism and hospitality businesses these awards recognised what could be achieved in such challenging times. The event was a time for celebration and celebrate they did with all the winners enjoying goodie boxes including treats from Thatchers Cider, Miles Tea and Coffee, Hullabaloos, Wicked Wolf Exmoor Gin, Bath Ales, Visit Somerset, Lovegrove Essentials and Forthglade treats for their four legged friends. All delivered to their doors by Pear Communication.
Clare Bushby of headline sponsors Clockwork Marketing says “The Tourism Awards are more vital than ever before. They provide normality during a surreal time, where everything seems weighted against hospitality. Equally as important, they give credit – where credit is more than due. Rather than despairing, entrants into this year’s awards have been remarkably inventive when faced with the impact of coronavirus. They have shown, against all the odds that a pandemic needn’t stand in the way of excellent hospitality. This is in no small part due to their unflinching resolve and unbreakable passion for their industry.”
The awards were presented by Giles Adams and Somerset based awards organiser Nell Barrington who said “I was humbled to hear the stories from these just amazing businesses overcoming adversity and to see their excitement about welcoming back visitors. It has given me a bucket list of places to visit this year and I look forward to the time when I can celebrate with them all in person. They have all worked so hard and rightly deserve this recognition. Congratulations to them all.”
Giles Adams, Visit Somerset, added “The awards have once again showcased our entire industry as one of talent, quality and endeavour. Let’s look forward to taking back tourism this season, giving our visitors brilliant experiences and memories so that they will be our clients and friends long into the future.”
Kathryn Davis, Destination Bristol & Visit Bath, said “I would like to congratulate all winners and finalists of the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards. This has been an exceptional year for all the wrong reasons, but the resilience and innovation demonstrated by businesses shows how incredible this industry is. It is wonderful to be able to celebrate success in this way and wish every business well for the future.”
Emma Thomasson, Visit Exmoor, went on to say “Congratulations to all the Bristol, Bath and Somerset tourism awards finalists. Visit Exmoor are delighted to sponsor the awards and could not be prouder of our remarkable tourism businesses across the area. In a very challenging year they have proved themselves to be robust and adaptable, operating at the highest of standards. This year awards once again underlines the quality of offering that visitors can experience in the area. Well done!”
Katy Menday, South Somerset District Council, said “Visit South Somerset are delighted to be have been so closely involved with this year’s Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards. Seeing the amazing efforts and quality across all sectors of the industry gives us inspiration and also great hope for this coming season.”
