Cornish tourism businesses were among those from across the south west celebrating in style last night (March 14) as 89 awards were presented at the 2023/24 South West Tourism Excellence Awards.
The annual event was the grand finale of 12 months of entry, judging and feedback as over 300 winners, supporters and tourism leaders celebrated in the Great Hall of the University of Exeter. Many have also been nominated to represent the region in the national VisitEngland awards, which concludes in Liverpool in June.
All forms of hospitality business were amongst the winners, with cafes, pubs, karting centres schools and distilleries all celebrating alongside attractions, camping and glamping sites, holiday parks, B&Bs, cottages and hotels.
Among the big winners on the night, The Pig At Harlyn Bay struck Gold, being named the Small Hotel of the Year, while My Cottages in St Ives was crowned Self Catering Accommodation of the Year. There was also a special accolade for Lappa Valley train driver, Ben Patrick, who won an Unsung Hero Award.
Robin Barker, director of Services for Tourism, which manages the awards, said “The impact of these awards on the region’s top tourism businesses never ceases to amaze me. It means so much to them. Many congratulations to each and every one of them.”
For a full list of all winners and finalists, click here.
The 2024/25 tourism awards will launch in April with a programme of events throughout the autumn and winter.
