Businesses from Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were among the winners at last night’s South West Tourism Excellence Awards.
The Eden Project took Gold in the Large Attraction of the Year category, at the ceremony which was held in the nave of Exeter Cathedral, itself one of the region’s leading tourist attractions.
Other local tourism businesses to strike Gold included Pebble House in Mevagissey in the B&B & Guest Accommodation category, and Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park in the Holiday Park & Holiday Village section.
It was a good night for Wadebridge, as The Ship Inn received top honours for Pub of the Year, while The Olde House took Gold in the Self Catering category, alongside Treworgey Cottages from Liskeard.
Hell Bay Hotel on the Isles of Scilly took Gold for Small Hotel of the Year, while Railholiday from Saltash received the Sustainable Tourism Award.
Bodmin Visitor Information Centre was also given Gold for Tourism Information Service of the Year.
Robin Barker of Services for Tourism, which manages the awards programme, said: “This year’s awards have set new standards in both numbers and quality standards. It never ceases to amaze me how our top businesses continue to reinvent themselves to stay at the top in one of the world’s most fast-moving and competitive industries.”
Geoffrey Pearce, ‘ambassador’ at the Godolphin Arms in Marazion, returned down the A30 with the Unsung Hero for Customer Service Award.
Pearce was born in Marazion, and as a young man trained as junior footman on St Michael’s Mount, before spending 29 years at the British Embassy in Washington DC.
He returned to Marazion ten years ago and has enthusiastically embraced his return to the hospitality industry.
Godolphin Arms, general manager, Robin Collyns, said: “We are so proud of Geoffrey. He is such an integral part of our team – a true asset. Customers are always very complimentary of Geoffrey’s all-star service, and his exemplary charitable work is also appreciated by the many charities that he has raised money for. Congratulations Geoffrey!”
For a full list of winners and finalists, click here.
