Two Devon Tourism Awards winners are through to the VisitEngland finals
Two Devon Tourism Awards winners are through to the VisitEngland finals to compete for the tourism industry’s annual national Awards for Excellence.
VisitEngland has today announced the 48 finalists who will go forward to compete for the tourism industry’s annual national Awards for Excellence and two businesses from the 2022/23 Devon Tourism Awards have made it through. The finalists are:
- Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award: The Cottages at Blackadon Farm, Devon www.cottagesatblackadonfarm.co.uk
- Small Hotel of the Year: THE PIG-at Combe, Devon www.thepighotel.com/at-combe/
They will have to wait until the national awards ceremony on 7 June at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, to find out if they win Gold, Silver or Bronze.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said “This impressive list of finalists demonstrates the innovation and excellence thriving across England’s tourism industry. The quality and number of applications also highlights the outstanding range of products and experiences on offer for both domestic and international visitors. We wish the finalists the very best of luck.”
Matt Greaves, Head of Marketing for Wildanet, who are headline sponsors for the 2023/24 Devon Tourism Awards said “On behalf of all the team here at Wildanet, I’d like to offer our congratulations to The Cottages at Blackadon Farm and THE PIG-at Combe and wish them good luck as they progress to the national finals in June. The tourism and hospitality sector here in Devon is world-class and it’s fantastic that the county will be represented at a national level in this year’s awards.”
Awards organiser Robin Barker said “It’s great to see so many of our awards entrants progressing on to national recognition, having already been winners in Devon and the South West. It shows their commitment to excellence and I offer them my hearty congratulations and the best of luck in the national awards.”
Marcus Bailey and Ryan Lynch, finalist Blackadon Farm said “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. It’s a passion that we love sharing with our guests, community, local businesses and tourism organisations. Having been recognised through the Visit Devon and South West Tourism Excellence awards, we’re now being given the opportunity to be recognised and share more on this important subject at a national level through the awards programme.”
Chris Charles, finalist THE PIG-at Combe said “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!”
The route into VisitEngland nationals is via the Devon Tourism Awards which are now open for 2023/24 entries. These awards cover the full range of tourism-related businesses including pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as accommodation, wedding and business venues, visitor information centres, attractions, events and experiences. As well as opportunities to submit entries for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, accessibility, sustainability and water efficiency. All entries must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday 18 June.
The awards are free to enter being supported by many sponsors and partners.
