Congratulations to Visit West members shortlisted for the 2022-23 South West England Tourism Excellence Awards

Visit West would like to warmly congratulate all of our fantastic members shortlisted in the 2022-23 South West England Tourism Excellence Awards.

To reach this stage of the process is always a great achievement, given that the Awards are recognised for their rigour and quality of judging, but even more so this year due to the current challenges facing the visitor economy. 

The Awards are the culmination of ten months of evidence gathering, online entry, judging and county awards. Independent judges have pored over submissions, websites, social media and review sites, as well as carrying out business visits, many of them mystery visits. Reports and recommendations were then submitted to an independent panel who made the final decisions, resulting in a total of 90 finalists. 

Chair of Judges Dr. Natalie Semley, Lecturer in Sustainable Tourism Management at Cornwall Business School, commented: “The level of excellence being sustained throughout the South West region was truly inspirational, and represents the extraordinary level of dedication and commitment from each and every business shortlisted.  It is clear that these finalists have taken responsibility, and have actively embedded resilience and sustainability into their organisations.”

Robin Barker, Director of Services for Tourism Ltd, who manage the Awards, added: “I am so looking forward to celebrating with the region’s best. To continue innovating, being ever more sustainable, and delighting customers at the same time as overcoming so much adversity is a real testament to their passion and commitment. Many congratulations to them all.”

Visit West members reaching the shortlist for their categories are follows: 

Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award

• Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm 
• The Roman Baths & Pump Room
• WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Image: Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Image: The Roman Baths, credit Lloyd Evans Photography

Camping & Caravanning Park of the Year

• Mendip Basecamp, Mendip Activity Centre

Casual Dining Award

• Corkage Bath

Large Hotel of the Year

• Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

• Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm 
• WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre

Image: WWT Slimbridge, credit Barry Batchelor

Restaurant of the Year 

• The Restaurant at No. 15 by Guesthouse, Bath

Small Hotel of the Year

• Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa

Spa & Wellbeing Experience of the Year

• The Reconnect Retreat at Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa
• Commended: The Spa at No. 15 by Guesthouse’s ‘You Time’ package 

Tourism Event/Festival of the Year

• Wells Cathedral - Festival of the Moon

Wedding Venue of the Year

• The Roman Baths & Pump Room

Follow the Awards on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #SWTAwards.