Deadline looms for business awards
TIME is running out for tourism businesses who want to be recognised for their excellence in the industry.
The first Herald Express English Rivera and South Devon Tourism and Hospitality Awards will take place in September.
But there is only one month left to enter, as the deadline for entries is July 6.
The new awards are designed to celebrate and encourage excellence in all forms of tourism and hospitality businesses.
Whether the business is a tiny, seasonal B&B, a four-star hotel, a beachside cafe or a taxi operator, there is an award to enter for every business who makes a contribution to everyone's enjoyment of the area.
The aim is to showcase businesses large and small as well as individuals within the hospitality and tourism industry.
There are more than 13 categories to choose from.
The five-star event has already attracted some serious sponsors.
Woollen Michelmore is the headline sponsor for the awards.
Pavey Group, Viridor and Santander have backed the project as award sponsors, along with Lifestyle Leisure which is sponsoring the drinks reception.
After the deadline for entries closes, judging and mystery shopping will take place during July.
The shortlist will be announced on September 6 and there will be an award ceremony on September 28 at the Riviera International Conference Centre.
The team behind the new awards project includes the English Riviera Tourism Company, Visit South Devon, the English Riviera Attractions Partnership and Robin Barker from Services to Tourism who manages the Devon and South West Awards.
Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive, English Riviera Tourism Company said: "The English Riviera and South Devon Tourism Hospitality Awards is a great new initiative from the Herald Express which the ERTC is delighted to support. These awards will recognise all those wonderful businesses and individuals who are working so hard to raise standards within the English Riviera's tourism industry; this is so important to help keep visitors coming to our fantastic resort."
To enter or to become a sponsor see www.heraldexpress tourismawards.co.uk or call 01803 676722.
Bed and breakfast, guest house and inn of the year
Best self-catering, serviced apartments, holiday park or holiday village
Best visitor attraction
Conference and business tourism award
Excellence in customer service award sponsored by Santander
Hotel of the year
Innovation and marketing award
Outstanding dedication to tourism award sponsored by Pavey Group
Sustainable tourism award sponsored by Viridor
Taste of the riviera café/tea room
Taste of the riviera dining pub/restaurant
Tourism and hospitality business of the year
Tourism event of the year
Tourism experience/activity
The awards were launched earlier this year at a special tourism event at the Riviera International Centre.
Quoted from Herald Express on 14/06/12.
