Cofton Holidays shortlisted in SW Tourism Excellence Awards

Teignbridge's multi award-winning Cofton Holidays, based close to Dawlish Warren,  is among the South West’s leading tourism businesses to be chosen for the finals of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, which will be presented at a prestigious ceremony at the English Riviera Centre on 01 February 2018.

This year saw a record 645 entries in the competition, which is now in its 8th year following its launch in 2010.  Finalists were selected from across the region, which covers the Isles of Scilly, Wiltshire, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall.  All finalists will be kept in suspense until February when they will learn whether they have won Gold, Silver or Bronze.

Cofton Holidays, which last month won Silver Holiday Park of the Year and Bronze Sustainable Tourism awards at the Devon Tourism Awards, has had a strong year for accolades.  Cofton took silver at the Taste of the West Awards for its on-site restaurant, Amelia’s Pantry in November, and also succeeded in being awarded an AA 5 Pennant Gold accreditation at the AA’s Caravan and Camping Awards in March, one of the highest accolades in the world of camping and caravanning.

Having previously made it to the finals of the VisitEngland Holiday Park of the Year category, where it won 'Highly Recommended', Helen Scott, Director of Cofton Holidays, is hopeful of Cofton’s chances at the South West Tourism Awards:

“Cofton’s success in being shortlisted for the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in the Holiday Park of the Year category is a huge honour for us.  We’ve been here before and we’re delighted that our commitment to excellence has once again caught the eyes of the judges. 

“Quality of customer experience lies at the heart of everything we do.  Our goal is for each and every visitor to leave with a smile on their face having had a memorable and enjoyable stay.  We’re proud of our Devon roots, and so we source and celebrate local produce.  We also work with local businesses that are able to offer our customers an even richer experience, encouraging them to return year after year, generation after generation.

“As a family business that’s been running for over 40 years, we know how important it is to create a customer experience that guests want to share.  That’s why we’re constantly investing in our facilities, accommodation and experiences, such as our new Woodland Adventure area.  Combined with regular events such as our Classic American Car weekend in early July or our Christmas Market and Festive Celebrations in December, we’re always looking for new reasons for people to visit.

“We know that if we do a great job, we’re in a strong place to continue playing our part in the local economy, supporting local business, raising funds for local causes, and putting on events that embrace the local community.

“Through the passion of our team, investment in our facilities and services, and the desire to go the extra mile, we aim fly the flag for Devon and our region.”

Successful businesses at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards will go on to represent the region at the National VisitEngland Awards later in 2018.

Robin Barker, Director of Services for Tourism Ltd, who manage the Awards, commented: “Excellence is elusive.  It requires patience, vision, consistency, commitment, drive, hard work, skill and often a bit of money.  That’s not an easy list and I’d like to commend this year’s finalists for once again blowing the socks of the judges.  You are a credit to tourism and the region is proud of you.”

Cofton Holidays is up against Gwel an Mor Resort, Cornwall; Pentewan Sands Holiday Park, Cornwall; Rockley Park, Dorset, and Oakdown Holiday Park, Devon in the Holiday Park of the Year category.

Cofton’s facilities include a heated indoor pool with a splash pad area and hydrotherapy loungers, a gym, restaurant, pub, steam room, sauna, fitness studio, soft play area, playground, sports wall, outdoor pools and much more. Guests also have access to five coarse fishing lakes, miles of cycle paths and nature trails that take visitors through woodland to the golden sands of Dawlish Warren beach and nature reserve.

Free kids’ clubs take place each day throughout the school holidays, from Easter through to the October half term.  Other free activities on site include the new £50,000 Woodland Adventure Area which features a 25m zip line, a climbing cage, rope ladders, balance beam, balance lines and scramble nets.

For more information on Cofton Holidays visit: www.coftonholidays.co.uk or call 01626 890111.