Quality in tourism recognised at awards
The‘best of the best’of the Duchy’s hospitality and tourism sector were celebrated at the Cornwall Tourism Awards
MORE than 300 guests celebrated as the winners of the 21st annual Cornwall Tourism Awards were announced in Truro Cathedral last week.
Sixty-five awards were presented in wide ranging categories from accessible and inclusive tourism and dog-friendly business to large hotel and holiday park of the year.
Among them, four surprise awards were announced including two awards for outstanding contribution to Cornish tourism.
Nigel Burnett, director of Trebah Garden, was recognised for his 20-plus years developing Trebah and other top attractions,along with Visit Cornwall’s Malcolm Bell, who was praised for his vision, innovation and courage in over 30 years of tourism leadership.
There was also a special award presented to Forever Cornwall, and the evening ended with Hendra Holiday Park being announced as the
Winner of Winners for their multiple success over 50 years of operation.
Most winners will now be considered for the South West Tourism Excellence Awards to be presented at Eden Project in March 2023 and possibly invited to represent Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in the 2023 national VisitEngland Awards.
Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism, a long-time colleague of Malcolm Bell, commented: “After a wait of three years since our last face-to-face awards ceremony it was a delight to celebrate with Cornwall’s leading tourism businesses once again.
“I was especially honoured to be invited to announce the special award to Malcolm Bell, who has done so much to transform tourism in Cornwall and beyond.”
Guests enjoyed an aerial performance from the Off The Wall Aerial Dance Circus and enjoyed a wide range of Cornish food and drink.
Hangloose Adventure Eden, Par
BRONZE
Via Ferrata Cornwall, Penryn
SPA & WELLBEING EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR
GOLD
Mullion Cove Spa, Mullion
SILVER
The Spa at Gwel An Mor, Portreath
TOURISM EVENT / FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR
GOLD
Porthleven Food Festival, Porthleven
SILVER
The Great Estate Festival, Redruth
TOURISM LEADERSHIP AWARD
Forever Cornwall, Falmouth
UNSUNG HERO AWARD
GOLD
Rebecca Hedges, Bodmin Jail, Bodmin
SILVER
Chris North, Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay
BRONZE
Dale Unnuk, Big Green Surf School, Crantock
VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICE OF THE YEAR
GOLD
Visit Newquay Tourist Information Centre
SILVER
Isles of Scilly Tourist Information Centre
WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR
GOLD
Pentillie Castle & Estate, Saltash
SILVER
Gwel An Mor, Portreath
COMMENDED
Polurrian on the Lizard, Mullion
WILDLIFE FRIENDLY TOURISM BUSINESS AWARD
GOLD
Pengelly Retreat, Hayle
SILVER
Tregoad Holiday Park, Looe
BRONZE
Railholiday, St Germans
Treloy Touring Park, Newquay
COMMENDED
Coast Boat Trips, Bude
WINNER OF WINNERS
Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay