Western Morning News (Saturday)
Celebrating the best in Cornish tourism
CORNWALL’S top tourist businesses have been honoured at the annual Cornwall Tourism Awards during a three hour online ceremony hosted by the BBC’s Daphne Skinnard and Services for Tourism boss Robin Barker.
The online event saw 66 awards presented in 22 categories, with four awards held back for a face-toface event in April. It was the culmination of a nine month process that started in May 2021, with entrants judged on a combination of entry submissions, digital presence, and visits from independent judges.
Winners celebrated online with whoops, and on occasion tears, of joy, with many sharing their success with their wider teams.
The 20th year of the competition was run in what proved to be another tumultuous year for tourism, with the focus on excellence, innovation and resilience as relevant as ever.
Deborah Heather, of headline sponsors Quality in Tourism, said: “The last couple of years have undoubtedly been the most challenging in my lifetime for tourism. To be a finalist in the Cornwall Tourism Awards this year is truly an extraordinary achievement. Quality in Tourism is proud to be Headline sponsor of the awards and we are simply blown away by the calibre of those applying, never mind the finalists and the winners. Congratulations to all.”
Malcolm Bell, head of VisitCornwall, added: “After two very challenging years, it is very exciting and also gratifying to see the dedication of the finalists to drive up quality, despite there being a pandemic with all its twists and turns to cope with – a very big well done to all of you.”
Awards organiser Robin Barker, of Services for Tourism, said: “In another extraordinary year for tourism, with many unexpected challenges, I have been inspired to witness the positivity, creativity and innovation shown by Cornwall’s tourism industry. Many congratulations to you all.”
Winners in most categories will be automatically considered for the regional South West Tourism Excellence Awards later in the year, with many going on to be nominated to represent the region in the national VisitEngland awards. The 2022/23 awards are planned to be launched in April.