Three local businesses are toasting their success after scooping top prizes in the prestigious South West Tourism Excellence Awards. The awards celebrate the 'best in the South West' and aim to promote and reward the leading businesses and individuals in the tourism industry. Atlantis Holiday Apartments in Torquay won in the "Access for All" category, Ashvale, Beverley Park Holiday Park in Paignton and the Riviera International Conference Centre have all won awards in different categories.
Atlantis Holiday Apartments have been selected as one of the winners in the Access for All category. For owners Pauline and John Roberts, this is the latest is a long line of awards. They won the Silver Award in the Accessible Tourism category three years ago and have been finalists for Outstanding Customer Service 2007/08 and Accessible Tourism 2008/09. They are also finalists in this year's South Devon Excellence Awards for Green Business having won the Best Customer Service Award in 2007 when they were also finalists in two other categories, Green Business and World Class Service.
Pauline Roberts said: "We are delighted to win an award that recognises our commitment to accessible tourism. We endeavour to meet the requirements of our disabled guests as we believe that disability should not prevent anyone from enjoying a happy and memorable holiday on the English Riviera. Two of the six apartments at Atlantis have wheelchair access with a National Accessibility Scheme grading. We believe that commitment to quality and continual investment has encouraged an increase in business."
Simon Mansfield, the Entertainment Manager at Ashvale, Beverley Holidays has been selected to receive an award for 'Outstanding Customer Service'. Sponsored by the Met Office, the 'Outstanding Customer Service' award is one of 7 categories. With over 250 entrants, judges praised all the finalists for their commitment to excellence.
Alan Jeavons, Beverley Holidays' Director said: "Simon's commitment is something to be proud of and I am really pleased for him. Simon is a real asset to the company and he is well respected and liked by both guests and the staff. Simon obviously enjoys his job and his dedication is there for all to see. We are really proud of all our staff here at Beverley Holidays and it's a fantastic recognition for us that Simon was singled out for this award. Customer service is extremely important for any business to succeed and in this current climate, it is more important than ever to give customers good quality and good value."
The Riviera International Conference Centre also won an award in the Business Tourism category. Barry Cole, MD of the RICC said: "We are thrilled to have been selected for the South West Business Tourism Award. As the regions only purpose built Conference & Events venue, we have a duty to deliver quality products and services that reinforce the standards rightly expected on the English Riviera. I will be taking representatives of the teams involved in achieving this accolade to the Awards ceremony so that their contribution to our success can be rightfully acknowledged."
Each category is split into a selection of winners and a smaller number of finalists. An awards ceremony is being held on 23 November at Saunton Sands Hotel, when the winners will find out if they have won a Gold or Silver award. Guest speaker and presenter at this year's event will be Gill Williams, Travel Editor of the Sunday Mirror, who will be adding her own anecdotes and comment on the region's winners.
The regional GOLD winners will be put forward for VisitEngland's, National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010, where a staggering seven South West businesses received nationwide recognition in April 2009, making the South West the overall winning region.
Georgina Bowen, Marketing Manager at the English Riviera Tourist Board said: "We would like to congratulate all three businesses on their awards success. Entrants needed to demonstrate both exemplary levels of customer service and facilities, as well a commitment to sustainability, recycling and accessibility to all. Winning one of these prestigious awards is the perfect way for businesses to showcase their quality not just to the media and customers, but to build morale amongst staff and gain recognition throughout the community."
Quoted from http://www.englishriviera.co.uk/site/downloads/press-releases/tourism-awards-success.
For more information contact:
Matt Newbury
PR & Marketing
English Riviera Tourist Board
01803-408350
Matthew.Newbury@torbay.gov.uk or
Lydia Stone
PR & Marketing
English Riviera Tourist Board
01803-296296
lydia.stone@torbay.gov.uk
