Devon celebrated the best in tourism on Thursday the 21st November as the winners in the 15th Devon Tourism Awards were announced at Plymouth’s Crowne Plaza Hotel.
In a tough year for tourism and hospitality it was a chance for many to celebrate their business excellence, with hugs and whoops of joy as 75 Dartington Crystal trophies were presented to businesses from all corners of the county.
Awards presentations were preceded by a rousing performance by entertainers from Plymouth-based Natasha’s Bollywood Dance School, preceding a passionate call to excellence by Andy Banner-Price from the multi award-winning The 25 B&B in Torquay.
The awards covered 25 different categories including a special award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism to Andy Banner-Price. Other categories covered cafes, restaurants, casual dining, pubs, accommodation, wedding and event venues, attractions and activities alongside thematic awards for sustainabilty, accessibility and dog-friendliness.
The evening concluded with a standing ovation as the Winner of Winners award was presented to Raceworld for their extraordinary £100,000 fundraise for Hospiscare. There was a further ovation as Hospiscare’s Ellie Melmoth ended the formalities singing Never Enough from The Greatest Showman.
Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism commented: “In what is a difficult time for many, it has been great to see increased entries into the awards and an increased number of winners. Their innovation, resilience and commitment to excellence never cease to amaze me.”
Many successful gold award winners in the Devon Awards will be nominated to represent Devon in the national VisitEngland awards in 2025. The full list of winners can be seen HERE.
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Image credit: Nick Williams
