Visit Devon congratulates Devon finalists in SW Tourism Excellence Awards

Following the success of the first ever Devon Tourism Awards, Visit Devon congratulates those finalists and other Devon businesses featuring in next month’s line up for the South West Tourism Excellence Awards. These include East Devon based Mazzard Farm which is on the shortlist in the Sustainable Tourism awards after being named Winner of Winners in the Devon Tourism Awards, together with Pennywell Farm, near Buckfastleigh, and Wheatland Farm in Winkleigh which are both also strong contenders for the sustainability award. Rosie Bates, General Manager of Visit Devon said, “It is brilliant that so many Devon businesses who received awards in the Devon Tourism Awards are now going forward as really strong contenders in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards. We are delighted to see so many listed as examples of excellence in these awards which list the “best of the South West” and wish them all the best of luck.” Two more winners in the Devon Tourism Awards that are now strong contenders in the South West Awards are Bovey Castle, a finalist in the large hotel category and Combe House at Gittisham, near Honiton, which is in the running for the small hotel award. Hembury Court, at Broadhembury, is a finalist in the self-catering category and Hembury is joined by Devon Tourism Award winners Millbrook Cottages from Umberleigh and Mazzard Farm at Ottery St Mary. Contenders for the Best Tourism Experience and Activity award, all of whom featured in the Devon Tourism Awards, include Okehampton-based O'Connors Campers, Go Ape at Haldon Forest and Treasure Trails based in several West Country locations. Overall winner in its Devon Tourism category, Woodovis Holiday Park in Tavistock and Cofton Country Holidays, at Dawlish, are among those nominated for the Holiday Park title, while Castle Drogo, near Drewsteignton and another winner in the Devon Tourism Awards is shortlisted for the Large Attraction award. Exmoor Zoo in Barnstaple, Devon is a contender for the Small Attraction award. Devon based Atlantis Holiday Apartments in Torquay and Crealy Great Adventure Park, near Clyst St Mary, are both finalists in the Access for All category. The Lazy Toad, at Brampford Speke, is shortlisted in the Taste of the South West category and for Outstanding Customer Service, the Big Sheep and Northcote Manor both have individuals nominated in this category. Event Exeter, the University of Exeter's conferencing arm and the Riviera International Conference Centre, Torquay are both contenders in the Business Tourism category. Winners will be announced at the Riviera International Conference Centre Torquay on Monday, November 15. About Visit Devon Visit Devon is the destination management organisation responsible for promoting Devon to the world. The organisation acts as a voice for tourism in Devon and its aim is simple - to increase the number of visitors to Devon by promoting the county as a year-round destination for business or leisure. The organization brings together, adds value to and enhances the work and activities undertaken by the six Area Tourism Partnerships across the county. Visit Devon is committed to growing the tourism sector sustainably, increasing the skills within the industry, and raising the quality of the visitor experience. Visit Devon is a public-private partnership limited by guarantee. The not for profit company comprises nine member organizations including the six Area Tourism Partnerships (The Heart of Devon, Visit Plymouth, North Devon+, The Dartmoor Partnership, The English Riviera Tourist Board, and Visit South Devon, Devon County Council, The Devon Association of Tourist attractions (Data), and Devon Farms. Visit Devon is the trading name of Destination Devon Ltd