Four Beautiful South Tourism Awards winners are through to the VisitEngland
Four Beautiful South Tourism Awards winners are through to the VisitEngland finals to compete for the tourism industry’s annual national Awards for Excellence.
VisitEngland has today announced the 48 finalists who will go forward to compete for the tourism industry’s annual national Awards for Excellence and four businesses from the 2022/23 Beautiful South Tourism Awards have made it through. They are:
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year: Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire www.blenheimpalace.com
Pub of the Year: The Shoe, Hampshire www.theshoeexton.co.uk
Taste of England Award: The Glasshouse Restaurant, Hampshire www.oakleyhall-park.com/dine-drink/glasshouse-restaurant/
Unsung Hero Award: Marie Colgrave, Welcome Building Supervisor, Whitchurch Silk Mill, Hampshire
In addition Red Funnel, Isle of Wight www.redfunnel.co.uk is a finalist in the TXGB Trailblazer Award
They will have to wait until the national awards ceremony on 7 June at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, to find out if they win Gold, Silver or Bronze.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said “This impressive list of finalists demonstrates the innovation and excellence thriving across England’s tourism industry. The quality and number of applications also highlights the outstanding range of products and experiences on offer for both domestic and international visitors. We wish the finalists the very best of luck.”
Fran Downton, Tourism South East, said “ We are thrilled to see the great quality from the South East shining through to compete at a national level . We couldn’t be prouder our member organisations, they are officially amongst England finest. We wish them the very best of luck as we head towards the awards event”.
Marie, Unsung Hero finalist, from Whitchurch Silk Mill said “Such exciting news, I just can’t believe it. I never expected to be a national finalist and it is really touching to be recognised in this way. Everyone at the Mill is super excited and we are looking forward to attending the awards ceremony in June!”
Heather Carter, Managing Director, Visitor Attraction at Blenheim Palace, said: "To be among such an impressive shortlist of visitor attractions is testament to the hard work and dedication of our fabulous team. Simply to be a finalist is wonderful recognition for everyone here at ‘Britain’s Greatest Palace’.”
The route into VisitEngland nationals is via the Beautiful South Tourism Awards which are now open for 2023/24 entries. These awards cover the full range of tourism-related businesses including pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as accommodation, wedding and business venues, visitor information centres, attractions, events and experiences. As well as opportunities to submit entries for unsung heroes, new businesses, dog friendly, accessibility and sustainability.
All entries must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday 18 June.
