VisitEngland has announced the finalists who will go forward to compete for the tourism industry’s annual national Awards for Excellence and three businesses from the 2021/22 Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards have made it through:
- Large Hotel – The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath.
- Small Hotel – No.15 by GuestHouse, Bath.
- Pub of the Year – The Cotley Inn, Near Chard.
They will have to wait until the national awards ceremony on 8 June at the Library of Birmingham, to find out if they win Gold, Silver or Bronze.
VisitEngland Chief Executive Patricia Yates said “These awards celebrate the businesses and individuals in tourism across England who have delivered excellence during the last year and it is fantastic to see such an outstanding list of finalists.”
Awards organiser Nell Barrington said “I am so excited and will be keeping everything crossed for these three brilliant businesses that will be showcasing Bristol, Bath and Somerset at these prestigious national awards, good luck to them.”
Maddie Beaumont from the Cotley Inn said “We are absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for such a prestigious accolade and wave the flag for tourism in Somerset. We are extremely honoured that our innovation has been recognised, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic and we continue to be driven by delivering not only exceptional food and drink but by providing memorable experiences for locals and visitors from further afield alike.”
Lorraine Jarvie from the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa said “We are totally delighted! The RCH Team has worked incredibly hard to overcome the many challenges thrown up by the pandemic, so to have been judged as one of the country’s best hotels by VisitEngland really shows them that their perseverance and determination has paid off.”
Guillaume Lesage from No. 15 GuestHouse said “I am so delighted for the team at No.15 by GuestHouse, it has been an amazing few weeks of trophies and nominations. Being Finalist in the VisitEngland excellence award is true recognition of their hard work and the fantastic delivery of our service Ethos.”
The 2022/23 awards are now open for entry and cover the full range of tourism-related businesses including pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as accommodation, wedding and business venues, attractions, events and experiences. There is an award for innovation and resilience, as well as opportunities to submit entries for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, age friendly, accessibility and sustainability.
All entries must be submitted online www.somersettourismawards.org.uk, by midnight on Sunday 19 June. The awards are free to enter being supported by many sponsors and partners.
