AN award-winning restaurateur from North Petherton is calling on other businesses in the area to enter the official tourism awards for the South-West because of the benefits the scheme brings to the winners and to the region.

 

because of the benefits the scheme brings to the winners and to the region.

Sue Milverton, who runs Clavelshay Barn was Highly Commended in the Taste of the South-West category in the 2014-15 South-West Tourism Excellence Awards and says it has helped bring customers to her restaurant and to the area.

“Just as important as the benefit to our business is the good that these awards does for the tourism industry in the district and the County as they highlight what a wonderful range of food and drink we have to offer here,” said Sue.

Echoing Sue’s view, Sedgemoor District Council tourism officer, Vicky Banham, said that following the poor Spring some tourism businesses had last year when people thought the whole County was under water, it would be good to put Somerset on the map for all the right reasons.

“Traditionally Somerset has been a bit shy about blowing its own trumpet which is why many of last year’s awards went to businesses from other counties in the region. I am sure we have just as many potential winners here if the accommodation providers, pubs, restaurants and attractions could be persuaded to enter these awards,” she said.

The Awards cover the whole South-West, including Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Bath, Bristol and the Isles of Scilly, along with the linked awards programmes in Devon, Dorset & Cornwall.

Last year there were more than 425 entries with 19 going on to become national finalists.

New categories this year include an award for Spas and Wellbeing; Active & Sporting Experience; Artistic, Cultural and Learning Experience and International Visitor Experience.

Another development is the inclusion of new case studies on the Awards website from recent finalists, each of them sharing their top tips on why businesses should enter and how to win.

The deadline for entering is midnight on 12th June, but businesses are encouraged to start preparing now and not leave it to the last minute. 

For more information visit www.southwesttourismawards.org.uk