It was an evening of celebration for the English Riviera at the 14th Devon Tourism Awards 2023 (16 November), held this year at Torquay's Riviera International Centre.

The ERBID Company's English Riviera Visitor Information team were thrilled to win gold for Visitor Information Service of the Year.  The small team, based at Vaughan Parade, Torquay harbourside, handles over 100k enquiries every year through face-to-face counter visits, email, telephone and social media enquiries.   Picture: Visitor Information Team with ERBID CEO Carolyn Custerson (3rd from left) and ERBID board members, Chair Chris Hart (2nd from right) and Jim Parker (end right).

Also celebrating a golden win was the Cary Arms in Babbacombe, for the Casual Dining Award of the Year.  The business say they "serve gastro food cooked simply. The watchwords in the kitchen are fresh­ness and seasonality, underpinned by a deep-rooted respect for the sur­rounding waters and land."
 

Claire Flower was the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Devon Tourism Award.  Beverley Holidays' director Claire is also an ERBID board member, working to support the English Riviera's tourism sector.  She was presented with her award by ERBID CEO Carolyn Custerson.  Claire said, "I was brought up in the business and I've grown up to be passionate about tourism.  It's such an amazing evening with people who are really proud about what they do."

Other English Riviera winners are:
Large Hotel of the Year - silver - Lincombe Hall Hotel, Torquay

Experience of the Year - bronze - Raptor by Torquay Watersports, Torquay

Holiday Park of the Year - bronze - Beverley Holidays, Paignton

Holiday Park of the Year - commended - South Bay Holiday Park, Brixham
 

Successful businesses in the Devon Awards will now be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in March and possibly into the national VisitEngland awards later in the year.

The full list of winners can be seen here.