'Tourism Oscar' winners announced

Published by webmaster for Salisbury District Council in Communities

Top South West tourism businesses were celebrating last night (16 October 2006) as the winners of the South West Tourism Excellence Awards, in association with First Great Western, were announced at the industry’s major event of the year. The awards, known as the ‘Tourism Oscars,’ celebrate ‘the best in the South West’ and aim to promote and reward the very best in the tourism industry.
 
Tourism businesses including attractions, accommodation and other tourism businesses and individuals were left in suspense this year as they had no idea whether they had won the prestigious Gold or Silver Award, until the actual night on Monday 16 October at the Tortworth Court Hotel, Nr Bristol. Guest speaker and presenter at this year’s event was Gill Williams, Travel Editor of the Sunday Mirror, who added her own anecdotes and comment on the regional winners.
 
Entrants needed to demonstrate exemplary facilities and exceptionally high qualities of customer care, reflecting the demands of today's customers. In addition, it was important that the applicants showed a commitment to sustainability, recycling and the environment. Winners were also commended for their use of regional produce and investment in the local community.
 
Accessibility for disabled customers was another priority, with many of the winners having specially installed facilities and staff trained to welcome visitors with any kind of disability. 
 
13 of the 16 regional Gold winners will now go on to represent the South West region at the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in April 2007.
 
Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of South West Tourism said:
 
“May I congratulate all of the winners. They have been chosen for their continual efforts to improve their tourism businesses, from staff training, to sourcing local foods to investing in new amenities.
 
The winning businesses have also shown a commitment to sustainability and accessibility and have proved they are worthy ambassadors of ‘excellence’ for the South West.
 
I wish the Gold winners the best of luck, as they are put forward to the national awards in 2007, which is an accolade that every business and region would be proud of.”
 
Julian Crow, First Great Western’s General Manager for the West of England, said:
 
"Judges this year were again deeply impressed with the standard of entries from candidates representing the cream, if not the double cream of the South West as they strive for quality and excellence for their customers.
 
The scope and strength of attractions and accommodation represented underlines why First Great Western continues to be proud to support the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.”
 
For images, interviews or sponsor quotes please contact Liz Dale on: 01392 353 218 or email: pressoffice@swtourism.co.uk

Ends

Press release issued: October 17 2006