Finalists Announced

Finalists Announced for prestigious 2019/20 Beautiful South Awards
For tourism businesses across the South East the wait is over. The finalists in the 2019/20 Beautiful South Awards have been chosen.

This year saw a near record number of entries (170) in 23 categories from all parts of the region - 40% more than last year. They were shortlisted from their entry forms and mystery shopped by expert independent judges. Today 80 finalists were announced along with 24 businesses whose achievements were recognised with commended certificates.  They will learn whether they are celebrating a gold, silver or bronze award at the prestigious awards ceremony at the Grand Brighton, on the 10th December, hosted by Simon Calder, travel journalist and broadcaster.

Winners in matching Visit England categories will be invited to represent the South East in the National VisitEngland Awards which take place early in 2020.

Mark Smith, chairman of Tourism South East, said “Every year I’m blown away by the sheer quality of the businesses that enter the Beautiful South Awards. It’s a reminder that tourism businesses in the South East are a match for any in the country and some are truly world class. This year the overall standard of entries was higher than ever making it extremely tough for the judges. The margins in some categories were extremely fine and some excellent businesses that I would encourage to enter again next year, narrowly missed the cut. I am really looking forward to celebrating with the best of the best at the Awards night at the Grand Brighton in December.’’

General Manager of the Grand Brighton, Andrew Mosley said: “I’d like to say a huge congratulations and best of luck to all of the finalists that have been nominated for this year’s Beautiful South Awards. It’s an absolute pleasure to be hosting the ceremony at The Grand Brighton, and we’re looking forward to another year of celebrations to commemorate all of the hard work and achievements made by our flourishing tourism industry in the South East.”