Big day ahead at tourism awards

DOG FRIENDLY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

THE Big Day is almost here! Tomorrow night we will be celebrating the very best of South Devon’s tourism industry at the most prestigious awards night of the year.

And there’s still time for you to join us! Tickets are on sale for the event, at which the pick of the facilities and services of the area’s multi-million-pound tourism industry will be celebrated.

Tomorrow night sees the glittering final awards night for the 2018 Herald Express South Devon Tourism and Hospitality Awards, presented with our partners Wollen Michelmore.

You can join us on the night. For ticket details visit hetourismawards.co.uk. Our associate editor Jim Parker and BBC Spotlight’s Victoria Graham will host the awards, which are presented in conjunction with our partners Wollen Michelmore, at the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay on November 29.

Guest speaker on the night will be Hilary Bradt MBE, the founder and director of Bradt Travel Guides, the award-winning publisher which has been championing unusual destinations since 1974.

The company also has a series of Slow travel guides. which have become the fastest-growing series of local guide books in the UK.

Hilary is the author and co-author of three Devon guides, insisting that such a beautiful county deserved to be divided into regions. Hilary was awarded a MBE for services to tourism and charity.

This week we turn the spotlight on the final two categories to be decided at the awards ceremony.

Below Decks is a beautiful seafood family dining restaurant on Beacon Quay, overlooking Torquay’s historic harbour. It takes pride in welcoming all, serving quality food and delivering service with a smile. That includes four legged friends, offering dog blankets, dog treats, water bowls and lots of love. Dogs are allowed in the restaurant and alfresco dining areas offering plenty of shade.

Cantina Kitchen & Bar go above and beyond to accommodate your furry family members. The marquee area and garden are ideally suited to dogs who like to make the most of being at the seaside. It also welcomes dogs inside the bar and provide dog towels and blankets so they can dry off after a swim or if caught in a show. It has a selection of dog snacks available at the bar.

Cockington Court wel- comes responsible owners and their dogs with open arms. Access is provided to all areas of the court so owners don’t have to worry about leaving their dogs on their own. The tea rooms has its own dog friendly scones, called sconios. There are 420 acres of parks and woodlands for dog walkers which is accessible all year round, with plenty of parking.

Cofton Holidays Set within 80 acres of glorious Devon countryside, Cofton Holidays has been a family-run holiday park for over 40 years. It recognises the demand for dog-friendly holidays is on the rise with more people choosing a staycation with their four-legged friends. Accommodation is equipped with a dog mat, dog bowl and blanket, to make dogs as comfortable as possible.

Pilgrims Rest Cottages The English Riviera has seven English Heritage Nationally Important Residencies at Grade II* level; Pilgrims Rest Cottages offers award-winning self-catering accommodation, made up of the Threshing Barn, Honeysuckle and Sweet Rose, dating back to the 16th century. Dogs receive their own welcome letter and gifts, many extras are available to help their stay be more enjoyable for them and their parents, including dog minding.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Cofton Holidays takes a long-term view and invests in sustainable solutions that return long-term benefits for the community and business. These include a £500,000 biomass hub and district hot water system saving 40% on annual fuel bills and cutting CO2 by at least 750 tonnes per year.

Haytor Hotel is an elegant detached 1835 villa in beautiful gardens, providing luxury accommodation in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. It implemented changes as a direct result of a SWEC audit including installing energy efficient appliances monitoring energy use with online tools. It chooses suppliers which support its practices with the majority of food used in breakfasts coming from Torbay/Devon suppliers.

The Palace Theatre, Paignton is committed to the following principles: sustainability, reduce, reuse and recycle as much as possible, recycling all batteries, paper, plastics and glass; responsibility, working with the local community to provide a space for learning and creativity; ethically, monitoring the performances and performers on stage, to ensure the provision is of the highest quality.

Paignton Zoo & Living Coasts understands the impact business practice can have on the environment and on the habitat of many animals. Therefore sustainability is at the heart of its business and is passionate about highlighting environmental issues to guests though their actions.

Pennywell Farm As a business, Pennywell Farm believes there is a duty to care for creation which is why environmental and social responsibility is of paramount importance. Sustainable activities include plant-a-pot, willow weaving, pond dipping and all the animal activities include information about animal welfare, farming and the environment.