West Dorset businesses have come out on top at the South West Tourism Awards, shinning a light on the what our area has to offer.

The awards received more than 476 entries from the region, including Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Bath and Bristol.

West Dorset Leisure Holidays (WDLH) had two of its parks win awards - Highlands End won gold and Golden Cap won silver in Holiday Park of the Year.

James Cox, group manager and member of the family who has run WDLH for more than 50 years, said: "As a family we are extremely proud that two of our parks have been recognised at this prestigious level as gold and silver in the South West Tourism Awards.

"It is a testament to our team's hard work, enthusiasm and willingness to adapt, particularly over the last 24 months, to put WDLH at the forefront of Holiday Park of the Year for the South West.

"Over the last 50 years our vision has been to provide a fantastic experience and memorable holidays in West Dorset and this recognition has certainly hit a new high. We are looking forward to a successful 2022 season and hopefully news of progressing to the national awards."

West Bay Discovery Centre also received gold in the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Business category.

John West, discovery centre trustee, said: "We are absolutely delighted with this achievement. To achieve a gold in competition with other top businesses and visitor attractions from the South West's six counties and Bristol and Bath is a great accolade for all the team at the centre.

"Care for the environment and promoting sustainability has and will always be central to what we do, so this award means a lot to us. We aim to have a low impact on the environment by buying sustainable and locally produced merchandise, recycling our waste, and promoting local beach cleans. We are also a 'Bridport plastic free business champion'."

He added: "Showing that we care for West Bay, the place that we are located and live, is very important to us. There were a number of Dorset winners and we are delighted that Highlands End Holiday Park deservedly collected gold in the Holiday Park of the Year category."

Dorset Forest Garden Glamping gained bronze in the same category as West Bay Discovery Centre, Monkton Wyld Holiday Park received gold for Camping and Caravanning Park of the Year while Jurassic Coast Guides was also awarded bronze for Experience of the Year. The Acorn Inn won silver in the Pub of the Year category.

Robin Barker, director of Services for Tourism Ltd, who manage the awards, said: "Tourism is known as 'the happiness industry' and the night showed everyone why, with friends, colleagues and competitors all reunited to join in the celebrations after two years of being kept apart.

"Congratulations to everyone who has continued to excel and innovate despite the countless hurdles."

Co-director Nell Barrington added: "I am so thrilled that we are all able to come together at Sandy Park for our first South West awards ceremony in two years.

"After such a terrible time for tourism, hospitality and indeed everyone it is great to be able to share the successes of all these amazing businesses in person. Congratulations to them all."

For a full list of winners, visit southwesttourismawards.org.uk

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