The team running the South West region’s Tourism Awards are thrilled to again achieve the highest ‘Outstanding’ accreditation from the Awards Trust Mark, following feedback from a selection of entrants and judges.
The accreditation requires 18 different criteria to be met, including giving feedback to entrants, independent judges, confidentiality and a clear scoring system that removes bias and inconsistency.
Karen Sutton, Awards Trust Mark assessor and founder of Global Good Awards, said: “A robust entry and judging process is vital, not just for award entrants but for the industry as a whole. It’s important to shine the light on awards schemes that operate with the highest ethical standards and transparency. The tourism awards run by Services4Tourism exemplify how awards should be managed.”
Feedback from entrants included comments such as: “We would highly recommend for hospitality businesses to apply for the Tourism Awards. Although the process was highly competitive, it was fair, straightforward and the feedback provided was hugely valuable for further improvements.”
Awards organiser Robin Barker said: “The Trust Mark accreditation is an important part of our own quality control and we’re delighted to achieve the top Outstanding level again. It helps set us apart from other schemes and gives Sponsors the confidence that they are supporting a scheme that has credibility and is professionally run.”
Co-organiser Nell Barrington says: “The tourism awards are all about excellence within the industry so I am delighted that we have achieved this accreditation to give confidence to all those who are entering.”
The 2025/26 Tourism Awards will open for entry in April 2025 leading to awards events in autumn 2025 and the potential for progression to the national VisitEngland awards in 2026.
For more information go to:
- BRISTOL, BATH AND SOMERSET www.somersettourismawards.org.uk
- CORNWALL AND ISLES OF SCILLY www.cornwalltourismawards.org.uk
- DEVON www.devontourismawards.org.uk
- DORSET www.dorsettourismawards.org.uk
