Devon tourism businesses celebrated in style last night (2nd February) as the winners in the 13th Devon Tourism Awards were announced at Home Park.
After two years of online events it was an emotional and welcome return to face-to-face events, with many taking full opportunity to catch up with colleagues and supporters. Tears of happiness flowed, and many were also excited by the prospect of further success at the regional South West and national VisitEngland awards.
The awards were preceded by a rousing performance by Devon-based Tano Taiko and a celebration of happiness by Dr Vikki Barnes, Devon-based author of ‘Free Happiness’.
66 Dartington Crystal trophies were presented including a Winner of Winners award to Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves. There was also a video from Adrian Vinken CBE, presented the special award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism following his decades of leadership in cultural tourism in the region.
Deborah Heather, Director of headline sponsors Quality in Tourism, says: “On behalf of all my colleagues at Quality in Tourism, we were simply blown away by the quality of the entrants to the awards, the finalists were hard to pick but are really the creme de la creme in the industry, we were thrilled to be their celebrating with them.”
Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism commented: “It never ceases to amaze me how tourism businesses continue to innovate and excel, even when faced with the most extraordinary hurdles. You are my heroes – each and every one of you!”
Successful businesses in the Devon Awards will now be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March and possibly into the national VisitEngland awards later in the year.
The full list of winners can be seen below or at www.devontourismawards.org.uk.
Photos from the evening can be downloaded free of charge from nickwilliams.zenfolio.com/p907742525 (credit Nick Williams).
Twitter #DevonTA Tweets from @DevonTourAward.
