Businesses ‘step up’ for tourism Oscars

South West tourism businesses are already celebrating being ‘winners’ as they prepare for ‘Oscar’ night. The winners of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in association with First Great Western and South West Water were announced today.

The awards night is the highlight of the tourism calendar and this year will be no exception, especially as the tourism businesses will not know whether they have won the prestigious Gold or Silver Award until the actual night on the 29 October at the Palace Hotel, Torquay, Devon.

The awards, known as the ‘Tourism Oscars,’ celebrate ‘the best in the South West’ and aim to promote and reward the very best in the tourism industry.

Guest speaker and presenter at this year’s event will be Frank Barrett, Travel Editor of The Mail on Sunday, who will be sharing his anecdotes and perspective on the South West’s tourism industry.

Entrants needed to demonstrate exemplary facilities and exceptionally high qualities of customer care, reflecting the demands of today's customers. In addition, it was important that the applicants showed a commitment to sustainability, recycling and the environment. 14 of the 15 regional Gold winners will go on to represent the region at the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in April 2008.

Robin Barker, Deputy Chief Executive of South West Tourism said:

“May I congratulate all of the winners, as once again we are delighted with the standard of entries, which demonstrates the industry’s commitment to and investment in quality. We had a record entry this year, with Sustainable Tourism proving to be the single most popular category and some examples of world-beating quality. It is going to be an extra special event, which we are all looking forward to.”

Julian Crow, First Great Western’s General Manager for the West of England, said:

"Judges this year were again deeply impressed with the standard of entries from candidates representing the cream, if not the double cream of the South West as they strive for quality and excellence for their customers.

“The scope and strength of attractions and accommodation represented underlines why First Great Western continues to be proud to support the South West Tourism Excellence Awards".

Chris Loughlin, Chief Executive of South West Water, said:

"Congratulations to all this year's winners proving once again why the South West is best when it comes to welcoming and entertaining visitors. We would like in particular to congratulate Fern Cottage and Higher Wiscombe on being winners in the eco-tourism award and demonstrating that tourism can be green, sustainable and profitable."

To find out more, visit Swtourism.co.uk.