The finalists in the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2014/15, sponsored by Hoseasons, have been announced, edging a diverse group of businesses closer to being named best in Cornwall.
A grand Award Ceremony will take place at The Headland Hotel on 6 November when businesses will claim Gold, Silver or Bronze across 21 award categories.
The Awards are presented by Visit Cornwall, the Cornwall Development Company tourism service.
'To reach the finals in the Cornwall Tourism Awards is a worthy achievement and signifies success in a rigorous judging process which saw the businesses scored, mystery shopped and debated by a panel of industry professionals,' explainsMalcolm Bell, Head of Visit Cornwall. 'This year was stronger than ever with a record number of entries, up 10% up on last year. It’s great to see many new entrants in the list of finalists as well as former winners who have continued to invest in their staff, services and marketing.'
The 21 award categories cover everything from hotels and restaurants to activities and tourist information centres, and for the first year include a new access and inclusivity category as well as one for dog-friendly tourism businesses. A Winner of Winners title and special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award will be presented on the night.
'Cornwall is full of amazing businesses who are continually developing and improving their offering,' says Councillor Julian German, Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture. 'By recognising and rewarding this, the Awards celebrate and showcase excellence which in turn inspires quality across the industry. I look forward to congratulating all of the winners.'
Below are the Finalists and Commended entrants for the 2014/15 Cornwall Tourism Awards. Full results will be announced on 6 November.
The Finalists:
HOLIDAY PARK & VILLAGE OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Stephens Scown solicitors
Mother Ivey’s Bay Holiday Park, Padstow
Perran Sands Holiday Park, Perranporth
Trevella Park, Crantock
Trevornick Holiday Park, Cubert
CAMPING & CARAVANNING PARK OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions
Padstow Touring Park, Padstow
Polmanter Touring Park, St Ives
Trethem Mill Touring Park, St Just in Roseland
HOLIDAY RESORT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by e-Strategy
Gwel an Mor Resort
The Headland, Newquay
Mawgan Porth Holiday Park, Mawgan Porth
WILDLIFE & MARINE ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR
Newquay Sea Safaris & Fishing, Newquay
Newquay Zoo, Newquay
Paradise Park, Hayle
TOURIST INFORMATION SERVICE OF THE YEAR
Bodmin Visitor Information Centre
Launceston Tourism Information Centre
THEME PARK & ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Seymac Distribution
Eden Project, Bodelva
BED & BREAKFAST AND GUEST ACCOMMODATION OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Nicholson’s
The Gurnard’s Head, Treen
Highcliffe Contemporary Bed & Breakfast, Falmouth
Lower Barns B&B, St Ewe
CAFÉ & TEAROOM OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Niddocks
Boscastle Farmshop & Café, Boscastle
Rick Stein’s Café, Padstow
The Waymarker, Constantine
ACCESS & INCLUSIVITY AWARD
Sponsored by Purple Cloud Consultancy
Kernock Cottages, Saltash
SELF CATERING HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Pavey Group
Bosinver Farm Cottages, St Austell
Cosawes Barton, Ponsanooth
Treworgey Cottages, Duloe
GARDEN & COUNTRY HOUSE OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Sue Bradbury PR
Eden Project, Bodelva
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan
St Michael’s Mount, Marazion
OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
Sponsored by Source for Business
Will be announced on the night
ART, MUSEUM & INDUSTRIAL ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Nixon
Geevor Tin Mine, Pendeen
St Austell Brewery Visitor Centre, St Austell
Telegraph Museum Porthcurno, Porthcurno
SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Francis Clark
Hell Bay Hotel, Bryher
The Idle Rocks Hotel, St Mawes
Talland Bay Hotel, Nr Looe
WILDLIFE FRIENDLY BUSINESS AWARD, in partnership with Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Sponsored by Kelly’s of Cornwall
Feadon Farm Wildlife Centre at Gwel an Mor, Portreath
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan
Perran Sands Holiday Park, Perranporth
PUB OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Scott Burridge Commercial
The Kings Head, Ruan Lanihorne
The Pandora Inn, Mylor
Rashleigh Arms, Charlestown
The Ship Inn, Wadebridge
TOURISM ACTIVITY, SPORT & EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Brewer and Bunney
Minack Theatre, Porthcurno
Miracle Theatre, Cornwall
Mobius adventures in Cornwall, Perranporth
Padstow Seafood School, Padstow
LARGE HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Hotel Perfect
The Headland Hotel, Newquay
The Scarlet, Mawgan Porth
St Michael’s Hotel & Spa, Falmouth
DOG FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION AWARD
Sponsored by James Wellbeloved
Helsbury Park, Launceston
Kernock Cottages, Saltash
The Valley, Carnon Downs
SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD
Sponsored by Canara Organic Farm
Bosinver Farm Cottages, St Austell
Dolbeare Park, Landrake
The Emerald, Carnon Downs
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by St Austell Brewery
Langmans Restaurant, Callington
Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen, Port Isaac
Restaurant Nathan Outlaw, Rock
WINNER OF WINNERS
Sponsored by Springboard
• Will be announced on the night