It was a night of celebration for North Somerset businesses, with several taking home awards from the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards last week.
It was a night of celebration for North Somerset businesses, with several taking home awards from the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards last week.
Top performer on the night was Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, in Wraxall, which took home two gold awards for sustainable tourism and customer service.
Clevedon Hall, in Elton Road, was awarded with a silver honour for venue and business tourism, while Flax Bourton’s West Country Games, in Long Ashton, came second in the tourism experience of the year category.
Elsewhere, Congsbury’s DoubleTree by Hilton, Cadbury House, earned a bronze prize for large hotel of the year.
Two North Somerset attractions – Clevedon Pier and National Trust site Tyntesfield – received highly commended recommendations for the large attraction of the year award.
The ceremony was held at Somerset County Cricket Club, in Taunton, and highlighted the tourism opportunities available in the region.
The night’s big winner was Noah’s Ark, in Clevedon Road, which capped its most successful year to date after reaching record levels of employment and visitors to the site by winning top prize in both awards they were nominated for.
Katie Grant, the zoo’s digital marketing coordinator, said: “Noah’s Ark is hugely devoted to teaching the next generation about the importance of protecting and conserving the natural world, as well as teaching young people practical skills through our volunteer and work experience programmes.”
The outstanding customer service award was also given to four members of the customer services and sales team at Noah’s Ark for their efforts throughout the year.
The zoo has subsequently been nominated for the wider South West competition and could ultimately earn a spot in the prestigious National VisitEngland Awards – which is reserved only for the country’s top attractions.
The evening showcased the strength of North Somerset’s tourism industry – more than eight million day trippers visited the district in 2016, while visitor expenditure also increased to more than £489million.
For a full list of winners and commendations from the night, visit www.somersettourismawards.org.uk
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