News East Devon delivers gold-standard hospitality and aims even higher

Tourism and hospitality businesses throughout East Devon celebrated at the Devon Tourism awards last week receiving 17 accolades including 5 golds. The awards are part of the Visit England Excellence, with regional winners going head to head to be crowned best in England.

Big award recipient on the night was Seaton Tramway with two gold and two silvers, other gold awards in East Devon were awarded to Lympstone Manor, Rockbeare Manor and Ladram Bay Holiday Park.

Jenny Nunn, CEO of Seaton Tramway said, ‘Winning these awards is testament to the dedication of our team and the unwavering support of our visitors. At Seaton Tramway, we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for all, and these accolades reaffirm our mission to create lasting memories and provide inclusive, accessible, and magical moments to everyone who steps aboard our trams.’

Judging for the awards is carried out by a panel of independent experts, and all results are verified by an independent adjudicator. A Gold Award is a great achievement in recognition for a real team effort, from front to back of house to the maintenance department and all supporting departments.

East Devon is striving to be a leading destination in hospitality and tourism through the newly formed East Devon Tourism Network. The network has delivered a series of free events in 2023, supported by East Devon District Council (EDDC). The core aims are to empower businesses to review and improve their accessibility, strive for net zero, improve their quality and collaborate with local suppliers and other like-minded businesses.

Jack Pickering, General Manager at Heron Farm said, ‘The network has allowed our business to integrate into a community that has helped us beyond measure. It’s allowed us to share ideas and speak to our community who face similar challenges and has helped us to understand our environment by demonstrating the abundance of quality in the area’.

Cllr Nick Hookway, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Sport and Tourism, added, ‘It has been a priority for EDDC to see tourism and hospitality businesses thrive in East Devon. We have been championing the sector through our tourism strategy which included funding the new East Devon Tourism Network. Over the past year local businesses have been exploring ways to become more accessible, sustainable and collaborative.

'My heartfelt congratulations go to all of the East Devon businesses that were shortlisted or won awards.'