The Devon Tourism Awards 2024 finalists have been announced, and dozens of East Devon businesses are in the running to win.

The finalists have been announced for this year’s Devon Tourism Awards which will be presented in Plymouth on November 21.

The finalists were announced three months after the judging.  The awards ceremony takes place at the Crowne Plaza, Plymouth, when the Gold, Silver or Bronze awards will be announced.

73 finalists have been selected, some finalists won't be announced until the awards ceremony. 

Two special awards will also announced and eight will be rewarded with Commended status.

The annual competition is now in its 15th year, with changes every year to categories and criteria, reflecting the constant innovation and reinvention across the industry.  This year’s awards took ever greater account of entrants’ commitment to accessibility and inclusion, including mental health, as well as the environment and community.  The awards organisers were also pleased to retain their own ‘Outstanding’ accreditation in the Awards TrustMark scheme.

Gold winners in matching categories will be nominated to represent Devon in the national Visit England Awards in 2025.

Awards organiser Robin Barker of Services for Tourism said: “It has been great to see the judges and judging panel identify excellence across the board in what has been a tough time for many – I admire these businesses so much and offer congratulations to every one of them.”

Award categories cover everything from dog-friendly, new tourism business, and accessible and inclusive tourism to restaurants, glamping, hotels and pubs. A Winner of Winners title and special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award will also be presented on the night.

For a full list of finalists see below or visit their website.

ACTIVE & LEARNING EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR -

  • Indoor Karting - Raceworld, Woodbury Salterton

BUSINESS EVENTS VENUE OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Tamar Security

  • Raceworld, Woodbury Salterton
  • Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary

CAFÉ/TEAROOM OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Owens Coffee

  • The Kitchen at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

CASUAL DINING AWARD, sponsored by Vickery Holman

  • Coldharbour Field Kitchen, Ottery St Mary

ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD, sponsored by DCW

  • Coldharbour Field Kitchen, Ottery St Mary

LARGE HOTEL OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Handelsbanken

  • The Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth.

LARGE VISITOR ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR, sponsored by AGI

  • Crealy Theme Park & Resort, Clyst St Mary
  • Killerton – National Trust, Exeter
  • The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

NEW TOURISM BUSINESS AWARD, sponsored by NFU Mutual, Exeter

  • Prodigy Escapes and Experiences, Exeter
  • West Meadow Cabins, Honiton

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO DEVON TOURISM, sponsored by Visit Devon. TBA.

SMALL HOTEL OF THE YEAR, sponsored by Foxcombe Bakehouse

  • Lympstone Manor Hotel, Lympstone

SPA & WELLBEING EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR

  • Source Spa Day, Source Spa @ The Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth

VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICE OF THE YEAR, sponsored by South West Visitor Economy Hub

  • Exmouth Tourist Information Service – Exmouth Town Council.