Exeter Cathedral was the setting for the 2019/20 awards. This year's event is being held online. Picture: Nick Williams Photography.
Published: March 26, 2021 | Updated: 27th March 2021
Sixteen Dorset businesses are through to the finals of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2020/21.
They include:
In addition, seven businesses have been commended.
In total, and after the longest awards season ever, 75 finalists and 33 commended have been named in this year’s regional awards.
There were 416 entries from across Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Sponsored by South West Water, the awards programme opened for entry in March 2020, with plenty of adaptations and extensions along the way.
Launched prior to the first lockdown, judging has taken account of business entries, digital presence and feedback along with evidence of Covid-secure measures.
Judges pored over entry forms, websites, social media and review sites prior to decisions taken by an independent panel.
The awards will be presented online on April 22, with a prior ‘Meet The Finalist’ event on April 13 when finalists and sponsors get the chance to share in their news and plans.
Up to five finalists have been announced in each category, but all will have to wait to learn whether they have won gold, silver or bronze awards.
Robin Barker, pictured left, Director of Services for Tourism Ltd, which manages the awards, said: “We so nearly cancelled this year’s awards but are so glad we continued.
“The reaction from businesses, the stories they’ve told, and the innovation and inspiration we’ve witnessed amongst hundreds of small businesses has been humbling.
“We’re so pleased to be able to play our part in supporting such a deserving and important sector.”
Co-organiser Nell Barrington added: “I have been humbled to hear the stories from these amazing businesses overcoming adversity and to see their excitement about welcoming back visitors.
“I look forward to the time when I can celebrate with them all in person.
“They have all worked so hard and rightly deserve this recognition.
“Congratulations to them all.”
Jo Ecroyd, Customer Service Director of headline sponsors South West Water, said: “We’re delighted to be headline sponsors of this year’s South West Tourism Awards.
“As a top FTSE business in the South West, we see it as our responsibility to promote and contribute to the regional economy, in which tourism plays such an important role.
“It has certainly been a challenging year for businesses, and we applaud all our finalists for their perseverance in the face of the challenges from the pandemic over the past year.”
The Dorset finalists, and commended, are:
ACCESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE TOURISM AWARD
Commended
B&B AND GUESTHOUSE OF THE YEAR
BUSINESS EVENTS & WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Clockwork Marketing
Commended
CAFÉ/TEAROOM OF THE YEAR
CAMPING AND CARAVANNING PARK OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Vickery Holman
CASUAL DINING AWARD
DOG FRIENDLY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Forthglade
Commended
ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD, sponsored by South West Water
Commended
EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR (ACTIVE OR LEARNING)
Commended
GLAMPING BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
Commended
LARGE HOTEL OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Hotel Perfect
Commended
LARGE VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Worldpay
NEW TOURISM BUSINESS AWARD, sponsored by Soundview
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
SMALL VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Pear Communications
TOURISM EVENT/FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Met Office
TOURISM INNOVATION AWARD, sponsored by Quality in Tourism
Commended