Devon and Cornwall businesses excel at tourism awards

A number of businesses in Devon and Cornwall were commended in an annual awards ceremony this week.  

Many from the region found themselves as finalists in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, which are known as the region's 'Oscars', according to thisiscornwall.co.uk.

Judges of the awards decided on 63 finalists out of 350 entries. Thirty-four 'highly commended' entries were also shortlisted as part of the honours. Panel meetings were used to select the winners, as well as 213 visits to those who had entered.   

Fifty-nine of these finalists will now carry on to represent the South West in the national VisitEngland awards, which will take place next May.

Talking about the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, chairman of the awards panel, Alistair Handyside, told the site: "This year sees a truly excellent collection of winners across the South West, with many new entrants as well as well-known established beacon businesses."

Among the finalists included the Geevor Tin Mine, at Pendeen in West Cornwall, which will take on St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre in the small visitor attraction of the year category.

The awards will be handed out on January 30th at the Holiday Inn in Plymouth, according to southwestbusiness.co.uk.