Bay businesses shine at 15th tourism awards

Torbay tourism businesses were up there with the best as the winners in the 15th Devon Tourism Awards were announced.

Shortlisted finalists attended a black-tie event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Plymouth to find out who were striking gold in various tourism and hospitality categories.

There was an extra special moment for inspirational Torquay guest house owner Andy Banner-Price when he was presented with a coveted Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award.

In a tough year for tourism and hospitality it was a chance for many to celebrate their business excellence, with hugs and whoops of joy as 75 Dartington Crystal trophies were presented to businesses from all corners of the county.

Awards presentations were preceded by a rousing performance by entertainers from Plymouth-based Natasha’s Bollywood Dance School, preceding a passionate call to excellence by Andy from the multi award-winning The 25 B&B in Torquay.

The awards covered 25 different categories including the special award for Outstanding Contribution to Tourism. Other categories covered cafes, restaurants, casual dining, pubs, accommodation, wedding and event venues, attractions and activities alongside thematic awards for sustainabilty, accessibility and dog-friendliness.

The evening concluded with a standing ovation as the Winner of Winners award was presented to Raceworld for their extraordinary £100,000 fundraise for Hospiscare. There was a further ovation as Hospiscare’s Ellie Melmoth ended the formalities singing Never Enough from The Greatest Showman.

Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism commented: "In what is a difficult time for many, it has been great to see increased entries into the awards and an increased number of winners.

"Their innovation, resilience and commitment to excellence neve cease to amaze me."

Many successful gold award winners in the Devon Awards will be nominated to represent Devon in the national VisitEngland awards in 2025.

The English Riviera BID Company praised the Torbay-based winners and were 'delighted' to share their details across social platforms.

The Torbay winners were:

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO DEVON TOURISM

Andy Banner-Price (25 Boutique B & B in Torquay, tourism trainer and consultant, ERBID board member)

HOLIDAY PARK OF THE YEAR

Gold - Beverley Holidays, Paignton

Commended - South Bay Holiday Park, Brixham

INTERNATIONAL TOURISM AWARD

Gold - English Riviera Walking Tours, Torquay

ACTIVE & LEARNING EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR

Silver - Raptor RIB Ride - Torquay Watersports, Torquay

CASUAL DINING AWARD

Silver - Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe

SPA & WELLBEING EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR

Silver - Equilibrium Facial with Chakra Healing, Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe

SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Bronze - Cary Arms & Spa, Babbacombe

DOG FRIENDLY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

Commended - Beverley Holidays, Paignton