Visitors know it, local residents know it and now its official; Cornwall is the Best UK Holiday Destination having been bestowed the coveted title at last night’s British Travel Awards.
Open to all destinations across the country and won by public votes, the category represents the views of the consumer making it a true indicator of popularity.
Over 20% of the category’s votes were cast in Cornwall’s favour pushing it ahead of the Lake District, last year’s winner, and into the enviable number one position to reclaim the title having held it in 2006.
The British Travel Awards boast over seventy categories spanning every type of holiday experience from transport to customer service making them the largest awards programme in the UK. They are widely referred to as the “Oscars” of the travel industry and are the most recognisable and sought-after accolades in the sector.
The grand Awards Gala was held at Battersea Evolution in London, and Steve Kessell of VisitCornwall, the official tourist board for the county, was there to collect the trophy: “Being awarded the title of Best UK Holiday Destination is a fantastic honour for Cornwall,” he said.
“Not only does it recognise the hard work of the industry but it also shines the national spotlight on Cornwall. The fact that it is based on public opinion makes it even more significant as it comes from those people that count, those that vote with their feet!
