The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset Issue 17: Autumn 2020 | Página 4

BUSINESS NEWS
Local attractions recognised in VisitEngland’s Awards
The Roman Baths and Pump Room have been recognised alongside Wild Wookey and the
Herschel Museum of Astronomy in VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence 2020.
The awards, which celebrate and champion innovation,
quality and best practice across the tourism industry, were
hosted online by TV personality Julia Bradbury in August.
The winners were selected from hundreds of tourism
businesses across England including hotels, self-catering
accommodation, B&Bs, glamping operators, attractions,
restaurants, pubs, museums and conference centres.
The Roman Baths and Pump Rooms scooped silver in
the International Tourism Award and Large Visitor Attraction
categories whilst the Herschel Museum earned silver as a
Small Visitor Attraction.
Wild Wookey was the biggest Somerset winner on the
night, receiving a gold award as Experience of the Year.
Caving Instructor, Chris Binding, said, “We started Wild
Wookey from scratch four years ago and opened in 2017.
We’ve created an adventure caving experience the likes of
which didn’t exist in the UK before, and it has proved popular
with tourists from across the country and further afield.
“This award from VisitEngland is recognition, and also
vindication, for the efforts of the entire team. We’re delighted
to have won.”
VisitEngland Chief Executive Sally Balcombe, said, “These
prestigious awards celebrate the outstanding businesses
and individuals in tourism across England who have
delivered excellence. From a world-class boutique B&B in
Devon to adventure-packed experiences in Somerset, from
an accessible country park and national nature reserve in
Dorset to a bespoke English wine tour in Kent, our award
winners provide stand-out experiences of the highest calibre.
“Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism
and this year’s awards are also a timely reminder of the
determination, innovation and commitment of businesses
across the country who have been working extremely hard
to reopen, to welcome visitors back safely and to continue to
provide a first-class experience.”
Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston, added, “Not only
does our tourism industry offer incredible experiences
to those who holiday here, it supports millions of jobs up
and down the country. I’m delighted to see so many great
establishments, from major Lincolnshire attractions to
boutique Yorkshire hotels, being celebrated.
“This important sector has been hit hard by the
coronavirus and we have helped with an unprecedented
package of measures including the job retention scheme, a
years’ business rates holiday and most recently a £4 billion
reduction in VAT benefitting the sector.
“I would like to congratulate all the winners and
businesses around England who are doing an outstanding
job in showcasing the best in tourism. I encourage everyone
to get out, Enjoy Summer Safely, and experience everything
England has to offer.”
“this year’s awards are
a timely reminder of the
determination, innovation
and commitment of
businesses across the
country who have been
working extremely hard to
reopen...”
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