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Tourism Oscar Winners Announced 2007-8

Top Bristol tourism businesses were celebrating last night at the glittering South West Tourism Excellence Awards, in association with First Great Western and South West Water 2007/2008, as the regional winners were presented with the prestigious tourism awards.

The awards, known as the 'Tourism Oscars,' celebrate 'the best in the South West' and aim to promote and reward the very best in the tourism industry.

Tourism businesses including attractions, accommodation and other tourism businesses and individuals were left in suspense this year as they had no idea whether they had won the prestigious Gold or Silver Award, until the actual night on Monday 29 October at the Palace Hotel, Torquay,Devon.

Guest speaker and presenter at this year's event was Frank Barrett, Travel Editor of The Mail on Sunday, who shared his anecdotes and perspective on the South West's tourism industry.

Entrants needed to demonstrate exemplary facilities and exceptionally high qualities of customer care, reflecting the demands of today's customers. In addition, it was important that the applicants showed a commitment to sustainability, recycling and the environment. Winners were also commended for their use of regional produce and investment in the local community.

Fourteen of the 18 regional Gold winners will now go on to represent the region at the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in April 2008.

Robin Barker, Deputy Chief Executive of South West Tourism said: "Congratulations to all of the winners. Each year the judging process becomes tougher and tougher as the standard of entries increases and we are proud to say that this year has been no exception. Continual investment in new facilities, staff training, sourcing local foods, a commitment to sustainability and accessibility are major criteria for these awards and the winners should be proud that they are exemplars to the tourism industry.

We now wish the Gold winners the best of luck as they go on to represent the region at the national awards in 2008, which is an accolade that any business would be proud of winning."

Julian Crow, First Great Western's General Manager for the West of England, said: "Judges this year were again deeply impressed with the standard of entries from candidates representing the best in the South West as they strive for quality and excellence for their customers. The scope and integrity of attractions and accommodation represented underlines why First Great Western continues to be proud to support the South West Tourism Excellence Awards."

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD
Fern Cottage - Gold

BUSINESS TOURISM OF THE YEAR
Aztec Hotel & Spa - Gold

SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR
Hotel du Vin - Silver

TASTE OF THE SOUTH WEST AWARD
Fern Cottage - Silver