The finalists in the Cornwall Tourism Awards 2012 have been announced, following a rigorous judging process by industry experts.
More than 117 entries across 16 award categories have been scrutinised and discussed by the panel. Factors taken into account included the quality of service on offer to visitors and value for money. Commitment to staff training and development, the environment, and accessibility were also key issues.
The list of finalists sees a number of past winners as well as many first-timers.
They include Cotehele, in Saltash, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, in Falmouth, and Tate St Ives, which are all vying for the title of Large Visitor Attraction of the Year. Meanwhile Mullion Cove Hotel, The Scarlet, Mawgan Porth, and Talland Bay Hotel, Looe are the finalists in the Small Hotel of the Year category.
Other categories include the Sustainable Tourism Award and the Wildlife Friendly Business Award.
Plans are now under way for the grand awards dinner on Thursday November 8 at The Headland Hotel in Newquay, when the winners will be announced and crowned category champions.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, this year the awards will be presented by wildlife TV presenter Nick Baker.
James Staughton, managing director of sponsors St Austell Brewery said: "Cornwall's hospitality and tourism businesses are among the best in the industry and deserve to be celebrated this year more than ever.
"We are delighted to be part of the 2012 Cornwall Tourism Awards and to help shine a light on those individuals and their teams who continue to make Cornwall the UK's favourite holiday destination."
Emma Rojano, tourism development executive at VisitCornwall, said: "The diversity of finalists underlines the richness of holiday experience available in Cornwall and demonstrates that quality is key.
"Now in their 11th year, the awards continue to highlight those businesses that consistently deliver excellence.
"To gain a placing on the finals board is an amazing achievement and all of the businesses should be immensely pleased with themselves."
For a full list of this year's finalists click here.
More than 117 entries across 16 award categories have been scrutinised and discussed by the panel. Factors taken into account included the quality of service on offer to visitors and value for money. Commitment to staff training and development, the environment, and accessibility were also key issues.
The list of finalists sees a number of past winners as well as many first-timers.
They include Cotehele, in Saltash, the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, in Falmouth, and Tate St Ives, which are all vying for the title of Large Visitor Attraction of the Year. Meanwhile Mullion Cove Hotel, The Scarlet, Mawgan Porth, and Talland Bay Hotel, Looe are the finalists in the Small Hotel of the Year category.
Other categories include the Sustainable Tourism Award and the Wildlife Friendly Business Award.
Plans are now under way for the grand awards dinner on Thursday November 8 at The Headland Hotel in Newquay, when the winners will be announced and crowned category champions.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Cornwall Wildlife Trust, this year the awards will be presented by wildlife TV presenter Nick Baker.
James Staughton, managing director of sponsors St Austell Brewery said: "Cornwall's hospitality and tourism businesses are among the best in the industry and deserve to be celebrated this year more than ever.
"We are delighted to be part of the 2012 Cornwall Tourism Awards and to help shine a light on those individuals and their teams who continue to make Cornwall the UK's favourite holiday destination."
Emma Rojano, tourism development executive at VisitCornwall, said: "The diversity of finalists underlines the richness of holiday experience available in Cornwall and demonstrates that quality is key.
"Now in their 11th year, the awards continue to highlight those businesses that consistently deliver excellence.
"To gain a placing on the finals board is an amazing achievement and all of the businesses should be immensely pleased with themselves."
For a full list of this year's finalists click here.
