Tourism businesses from across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall have been named as Finalists in this year’s South West Tourism Excellence Awards.
The news follows an awards process which started in April 2023, with nearly 500 entries submitted, a rigorous judging process and many winning in their county schemes in Devon, Cornwall, Bristol, Bath and Somerset, and Dorset. The top performers have now been named for the regional final to be held in the Great Hall of Exeter University on 14 March.
All the finalists will have to wait until 14th March to learn whether they have won Gold, Silver or Bronze. Many will also be nominated to represent the South West in the national VisitEngland awards later in the year.
The Awards, which have themselves retained their ‘Outstanding’ accolade in the Awards Trust Mark scheme, are recognised for their rigour with independent judges spending months poring over entry submissions, websites, social media and review sites, as well as carrying out business visits. Reports and recommendations were then submitted to an independent panel who made the final decisions,.
Lawrence Palk, Director of B2B Sales from headline sponsors Wildanet, says: “Wildanet are delighted to be supporting The South West Tourism Excellence Awards this year. The South West is a world-class tourism destination with so much to offer, regularly attracting millions of visitors each year. The Tourism Awards are a fantastic stage on which to showcase and celebrate those incredible businesses that are flying the flag for the region. Many congratulations to all the finalists, and on behalf of everyone here at Wildanet, we wish you all the very best of luck and look forward to a wonderful night of celebration on 14 March.”
Chair of judges Dr Natalie Semley, Lecturer in Sustainable Tourism Management at Cornwall Business School, commented: “This year we have witnessed an outstanding level of excellence; across the region and all entries. The shortlisted finalists really stand out from the crowd, and they are commended for their level of dedication, commitment, and passion towards delivering a more sustainable, accessible, and inclusive tourism industry here in the Southwest.”
Robin Barker, Director of Services for Tourism Ltd, who manage the Awards, added: “It is an honour to be associated with the excellence witnessed across these outstanding businesses, many of whom have not just survived tough times but have innovated, invested and delivered outstanding service to the region’s visitors. Well done to them all.”
The full list of Finalists and Commended entrants can be found with further information at www.southwesttourismawards.org.uk
Follow on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. The Awards hashtag is #SWTAwards
