Hear from some of our 2020/2021 South West Tourism Excellence Award winners:

 

Why Enter?

Here is what some recent winners say:

"What an amazing experience to be part of the Tourism Awards. The whole process was really beneficial for our business, having a professional assessment and feedback was invaluable, as well as the time to look at each aspect of what we do with goals of what can we improve for our guests. We are extremely proud of our team to be finalist and to go through to Visit England nationals to represent the South West region." Jay, Sleepy Owl Devon

"It’s our first year taking part in the Tourism Awards and it’s been a fantastic experience from start to finish.  The stand-out difference between the Tourism Awards and other awards that we have entered in the past is the judging process. It’s so thorough and the judges really do take the time to get under the skin of the business. This was achieved via a couple of ‘mystery shops’ but also a judge visited our venue, and spent a few hours with the team.  The glowing feedback that we gained from the judges was invaluable and a huge motivational factor for everyone working at our venue, but also it’s a tool that we can use to support our reputation and help affirm our values of professionalism and trust, as a well-regarded wedding venue to potential couples and clients.  With such a credible judging process, it made our Gold win at county, and regional level all the more worthwhile.” Aimee, Rockbeare Manor

"We were delighted to win Bronze for Experience of the Year with our Raptor RIB Ride. A fantastic way to end our 3rd year of business and with more investment coming for 2024 it is a wonderful accolade to shout about as it really does stand us apart from our competitors.A professionally well-run evening of celebrations which our team enjoyed; it was great for them to feel a sense of pride for their exceptional hard work and for their passion to shine through. We look forward to next year!!  Michelle, Torquay Watersports

"As the owners of Rill House, we are overjoyed to have received the Silver Award in your Dog Friendly Category. This recognition is truly an honour, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to provide exceptional multiple dog-friendly holidays. We will definitely be entering again in the future".  Emma and Richard Newey, Rill House

"As the owners of Whitebeam Wood, are incredibly proud to have received the Silver Award in your New Business Category. This recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the local teams we collaborated with to transform Whitebeam Wood from an uninhabitable structure and overgrown property into the award-winning multiple dog-welcoming self-catering holiday home it is today."  Emma and Richard Newey, Whitebeam Wood

“As owners of The Cottages at Blackadon Farm, we feel so privileged to be recognised by Visit England as one of the top three tourism businesses. Our ethics, being responsible and sustainable are at the heart of our business and delighted to be recognised for what we’re doing”.  Marcus Bailey and Ryan Lynch, The Cottages at Blackadon Farm

 “We really couldn’t be more excited to have made it through to the finals of the Visit England awards in the Small Hotel Category. It is a real honour to be considered amongst the other fantastic leaders and innovators in the tourism and hospitality industry in this country as a part of the awards, and we are so proud of each and every member of our team that makes the experience at THE PIG-at Combe what it is. We are passionate about the hospitality industry and its future, and recognising the herculean efforts that all of these businesses go to to keep this vital part of our economy going is something we cant wait to be a part of on 7th June!”  Chris Charles, THE PIG-at Combe

“We couldn’t be happier right now. Receiving four awards in the Devon Tourism Awards makes us feel incredibly proud of The Cottages at Blackadon Farm, our team, guests and community. Devon is a very special place with 1,000’s of tourism businesses who showcase its beauty to tourists throughout the year. We are delighted to be ambassadors for our county and look forward to a bumper 2023. Becoming the most crowned tourism business in Devon over the last three years with eight awards is something we wouldn’t have dreamed possible when we established The Cottages at Blackadon Farm. Our efforts have paid off and this makes us feel proud of our place which really shows that Devon is heaven.” Marcus & Ryan, The Cottages at Blackadon Farm

"The whole team were thrilled when they found out that we won the gold award in the ‘Experience of the Year’ category.  We always aim to provide the very best in customer service, and to have such positive feedback from the independent panel of judges was acknowledgment of all the teams hard work. Winning this presitgous award sets us apart from other businesses, and we have found it to be a really effective marketing tool." Rob, Raceworld

"A huge thanks for sending through all of the feedback. We were really enthused to read the positive comments and have taken all recommendations and comments on board - the Judge's feedback is such a valuable assessment of our business from an independent perspective, thank you." Sophie, Saunton Beach Villas

"Even after several years of applying for the awards, we find the detailed judges’ feedback useful.  Having independent assessment from industry professionals is invaluable – and free!  The award ceremonies are an opportunity to meet and network with others from across the industry and celebrate our achievements.  Having won an award, it demonstrates to prospective guests the quality we offer, differenciates us from others and helps attract PR.” Andy, The 25 Boutique B&B 

“We’ve learned so much from the awards process and put so much of the feedback into practice. The comments certainly helped us move from winning the New Tourism Business Gold Award for 2020/21 to being recognised not just as the 2021/22 Self Catering Accommodation of the Year winner in Devon, but also for the South West” Marcus, The Cottages at Blackadon Farm 

"These Awards are valuable recognition of our commitment to creating the very best dog-friendly self-catering holidays for our guests. The process has been a great opportunity to reflect on our business and judges' feedback is invaluable for making improvements and moving forwards. Winning an award has been a huge boost for our team and we are proud to be promoting our win. From marketing to recruitment, having a 'winner' status sets us apart from the rest. The Awards night was a fantastic representation of the very best in Devon and we are proud to be part of that"  Sophie, Saunton Beach Villas

"Thank you very much for the feedback from the judges.  It’s really useful feedback and we will be able to use this to reflect and plan for future works and award applications." Jon, Stover Country Park

"It has been really encouraging to read such positive feedback with clear areas for improvement highlighted. A really useful experience." Alex & Simon, Brackenhill Glamping

"A huge thank you for the feedback, it really is invaluable and is reassuring we’re on the right track and gives us a good steer for what we can do even better. Thanks again and we’ll be sure to enter next year!" Emma, Valleyside Escapes

"I am absolutely elated to receive the Unsung Hero award.  It was an honour to be part of these awards and to celebrate our amazing industry. I am the lucky one for being part of our vibrant and welcoming Devon Team!"  Sereny, The Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company

"Winning this award has made us feel that all our hard work and plans for the future have been acknowledged. It really is rewarding and has given the whole team a real boost." Clare, Andrewshayes Holiday Park

"This is such amazing news and so unexpected!  Tears of joy are most certainly happening right now.  Thank you, to you all and to everyone else involved in the awards, for such wonderful news and recognition.  We are truly thrilled.We have had some wonderful emails and calls from local people and guests since our Silver Awards and to be selected as one of the businesses to go onto the South West Tourism Excellence Awards is an honour, beyond words." Lizzie & Nathan, Nethway Farm Holiday Cottages