The tourism industry in the South Hams is going from strength to strength, exemplified by recent success at the Devon Tourism Awards 2017.

The prestigious event which celebrated successful businesses across Devon was hosted by travel journalist Simon Calder and arctic explorer Ann Daniels.

There was a special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award that was presented to Esther Pearson and the South West Coast Path project. The South West Coast Path Association was also awarded silver in the International Visitor Experience of the Year award category.

Higher Gitcombe Boutique B&B in Totnes achieved silver as well in the Bed and Breakfast of the Year section.

Additionally, in the Large Attraction of the Year category, National Trust Greenway in Galmpton was recognised as Highly Commended at the awards.

In the Large Hotel of the Year section, two hotels in the South Hams were celebrated. Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa were awarded silver and Thurlestone Hotel were awarded bronze. Additionally, Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Spa received the silver award for the Spa and Wellbeing experience of the Year.

For holiday properties, the self catering Holiday Provider of the Year silver award was given to Aish Cross Holiday Cottages in Totnes and the Self Catering Property of the Year silver award was awarded to Oversteps House in Salcombe.

Two further establishments have been celebrated in the Small/Boutique Hotel of the Year category where South Sands Hotel achieved silver and The Cricket Inn in Kingsbridge was labelled as Highly Commended.

The Cricket Inn’s success did not stop there-in the Tourism Pub of the Year section, they achieved silver with the Victoria Inn in Salcombe achieving bronze.

Lastly, The Tourist Information Centres in the South Hams were triumphant with Kingsbridge TIC receiving the gold award and the Dartmouth Visitor Centre being given Highly Commended.

In its 8th year, the awards received a record 205 entries across all 25 different categories, with 76 awards announced on the night. Before the winners were announced, a rigorous three-phase judging process was undertaken, involving 120 judging visits to businesses.

Kingsbridge Tourist Information Centre were thrilled to receive their gold award. “In order to achieve gold we were judged on our website, guide, the appearance of the TIC itself and we received a mystery phone call, email and visit,” said Samantha Dennis, Director of the TIC.

“All aspects of the business were looked at and we’re really pleased that we were deemed to be of gold status. It really was a team effort and I couldn’t have achieved any of this without the support of the volunteers”.

Similarly, Karen Jones, Director of Coast and Country Cottages was extremely “delighted” that Oversteps House, a property of theirs, won Silver.

“We are absolutely delighted that Oversteps House has had such success at the Devon Tourism Awards, winning Silver in the Self Catering Property of the Year category.

“This is truly an exceptional property, steeped in history and finished to the highest possible standards”.

During the awards ceremony, the judges described South Sands Hotel as “peaceful and tranquil, a lovely seaside landscape.” Hotel Director, Stephen Ball said: “We are delighted that South Sands has been recognised by Visit Devon as this reflects the passion, care and attention to detail we ensure through all elements of the hotel”.

Likewise, owner of The Cricket Inn, Nigel Heath has expressed how he was “thrilled” to have won the award. “A massive well done to the whole of the Cricket team. You’re amazing and it’s truly deserved”.