More than a hundred businesses joined the online celebrations yesterday for the Bristol Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards 2021/22. Giles Adams and Nell Barrington hosted an emotional ceremony during which 60 awards were announced for the best tourism and hospitality businesses in the region.

Entrants were in high spirits and gathered with their teams from across the county, and indeed the world, to find out what they had won and enjoy the camaraderie that is at the heart of the hospitality sector. Special guests in attendance even included a python from Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm.

Deborah Heather said “It is my pleasure and honour for Quality in Tourism to be headline sponsor for the Bristol, Bath and Somerset awards. A truly inspiring event, the phenomenal finalists in this amazing sector operating under incredible pressure should be very proud, they provide inspiration for us all.”

John Turner, CEO, VisitSomerset went on to say “I am delighted to congratulate the many winners from Somerset in this year’s Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards. It is an honour to share in their success and help build the environment in which such innovators are able to grow and thrive, to the benefit of all in the visitor economy.”

Emma Thomasson, CEO, Visit Exmoor, commented “Visit Exmoor are proud to be a long time sponsor of the awards that celebrate the phenomenal and inspiring visitor offering we have across the area. Our award winners represent the highest level of excellence, quality and innovation, this is always an amazing achievement and especially so in the current climate after an uncertain and challenging period.  Well done.”

Kathryn Davis, Director of Tourism, Visit West, added “Congratulations to all finalists and gold winners in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards, and we are thrilled to see so many Visit West members featured.  In what has been another exceptionally difficult year for the industry, our business community should be applauded for their resilience and innovation.”

Nell Barrington, awards organiser and co host for the day, said “I was so moved to hear about the amazing things these businesses had done to welcome visitors and care for their staff during this particularly difficult time.  Congratulations to every one and I truly hope that you all have a great season and also have time to celebrate your success.”

Details of all the winners can be found here.