West Sussex County Times

Finalists announced for tourism awards

- Megan O’Neill ct.news@jpimedia.co.uk

Tourism South East has announced the finalists in this year’s Beautiful South Awards – with a number of West Sussex businesses shortliste­d.

Finalists will learn whether they have won a gold, silver or bronze award at an awards event at The Grand Brighton on Monday, April 25.

Tourism South East has revealed a list of 53 finalists, with 13 businesses also recognised with commended certificat­es.

The entrants were shortliste­d from their entry forms and through an independen­t judging process, adapted to accommodat­e the restrictio­ns to the industry.

There are various categories including: Business Events Venue of the Year; Wedding Venue of the Year; Ethical, Responsibl­e and Sustainabl­e Tourism Award; Spa and Wellbeing Experience of the Year; Pub of the Year; and the Unsung Hero Award.

In the Horsham area, Sumners Ponds Fishery and Campsite is a finalist in the Campsite of the Year category.

Also in the West Sussex area, Wakehurst Glow Wild is a finalist for Experience and Event of the Year alongside the South of England Show in Ardingly and Light Up Wiston in Steyning.

Leonardsle­e Lakes and Gardens, Lower Beeding, was commended in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category.

Fran Downton, chief executive of Tourism South East, said: “The Beautiful South Awards is a fantastic opportunit­y for us to showcase the very best that the region has to offer.

“The strength of our finalists is testament to the incredible standards and unwavering quality of these exceptiona­l businesses, despite the challenges.

“I wish them all the very best of luck”.

General manager of The Grand Brighton Andrew Mosley added: “We are thrilled to be a part of the Beautiful South awards for the fourth year running, especially as we can gather together for a proper celebratio­n this April.

“It’s an occasion that we always look forward to as we recognise the inspiratio­nal individual­s and exceptiona­l hospitalit­y businesses that we have on our doorstep here in the stunning South East.

“Best of luck to everyone and we very much look forward to seeing you.”

Judging was carried out by an independan­t panel of experts in the field as well as previous winners.

As a result of the pandemic, the judges also took into considerat­ion evidence of online customer satisfacti­on via online reviews, accrediati­on on tourism websites such as Visit England, as well as social media presence.

For more informatio­n about all the finalists, visit www.beautifuls­outhawards. co.uk

Visit our new website at sussexworl­d.co.uk for all the latest news.

 ?? ?? Tourism businesses across Sussex are being announced as finalists including Glow Wild at Wakehurst
Tourism businesses across Sussex are being announced as finalists including Glow Wild at Wakehurst

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