Heart of Devon celebrates record awards win
Tourism businesses in Exeter and the Heart of Devon enjoyed a record haul of trophies coming top in 10 of the 18 awards categories and scooping 22 accolades in all, at the Visit Devon Awards 2014.
The awards were hosted by Radio Devon’s Judi Spiers at The Palazzo at Highbullen Hotel Golf and Country Club, Umberleigh, and cover the whole county.
Altogether, Exeter and the Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership members collected 10 Gold awards, along with the prestigious Winner of Winners Award, won by the Thelma Hulbert Gallery, in Honiton.
There were also a further 12 Silver, Bronze and Commended awards, making it a record haul of 22 awards for Exeter and the Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership members.
The Tourism Partnership covers Exeter, East Devon and parts of South Devon and the achievement means the area is the top award-winning destination in the county.
Derek Phillips, chairman of the Exeter and the Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership, said: “Congratulations to all the award winners and particularly those from Exeter and the Heart of Devon. The area’s growing reputation as a fantastic destination has been recognised through these accolades.
“It is testament to the great work of our members and their efforts to create fantastic holiday experiences that continue to delight customers.”
Exeter and the Heart of Devon struck gold in a range of categories including Large and Small Visitor Attraction, Holiday Village and Resort, Large and Small Hotel, Venue and Business Tourism Award and Tourism Event.
Exeter and the Heart of Devon 2014 Gold winners were:
- Deer Park Country House Hotel, Honiton (Venue and Business Tourism Award)
- World of Country Life, Exmouth (Large Visitor Attraction of the Year)
- Stuart Line Cruises, Exmouth (Small Visitor Attraction of the Year)
- Cofton Country Holidays, Dawlish (Holiday Village and Resort of the Year)
- The Horn of Plenty, Gulworthy (Small Hotel of the Year)
- Northcote Manor Country House Hotel, Umberleigh (Taste of Devon)
- Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Honiton (Winner of Winners and Access and Inclusivity Award)
- Highbullen Hotel Golf & Country Club, Umberleigh (Large Hotel of the Year and Dog Friendly Accommodation of the Year)
- The Contemporary Craft Festival, Bovey Tracy (Tourism Event of the Year)
All winners go through a three-stage judging process, including mystery visits, assessment of web sites and entry forms, and a final independent judging panel. Winners progress automatically to the South West Tourism Awards, held in February on the Grand Pier in Weston Super Mare.
Carolyn Custerson, Chair of Visit Devon, said: “Devon tourism is strong. This was shown in our success this year in the national Visit England Tourism Awards, with seven national winners, more than any other county. It is this success, that we should all focus on and this year’s finalists should feel very proud.”
For more information and photos from the awards visit www.devontourismawards.org.uk
