Two Cornwall Tourism Awards winners are through to the VisitEngland finals to compete for the tourism industry’s annual national Awards for Excellence.

VisitEngland has announced the 48 finalists who will go forward to compete for the tourism industry’s annual national Awards for Excellence and two businesses from the 2022/23 Cornwall Tourism Awards are through.  They are:

Hendra Holiday Park has been nominated as Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year while PK Porthcurno, Cornwall small visitor attraction of the year.

They will have to wait until the national awards ceremony on June 7 at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, to find out if they win Gold, Silver or Bronze.

Rebecca Pearce, finalist Hendra Holiday Park said  “We’re so chuffed to have made it to the prestigious Visit England finals after winning Gold at the recent SW Tourism Awards. What a fantastic achievement for all of our team – we’re very proud and this national accolade represents a lot of hard work, dedication and investment over the years. We are very much looking forward to representing Cornwall at the awards ceremony in London.”

Paul Hawkins of NFU Mutual Truro’s agency - headline sponsors of the 2023 Cornwall Tourism Awards - said: “We applaud all the finalists from the South West region who have made it to the finals.

"Our region really does lead the way in bringing visitors to England a magical experience. From the best in food and drink, to the warmest of welcomes at our many world-class hotels, restaurants and leisure offerings, we’re incredibly proud and wish everyone the best of luck.”

The route into VisitEngland National Awards for Excellence is via the Cornwall Tourism Awards.  The winners from Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly feed into the South West Tourism Awards, then the top businesses are put forward to compete in the VisitEngland Awards. 

The categories that are run on a local and national level are unsung hero, pubs, cafes and restaurants as well as accommodation, business events venue, attractions and experiences.  As well awards for new tourism business, accessible and inclusive, and ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism business. The awards are free to enter thanks to sponsors and partners. 

All entries must be submitted online by midnight on Sunday, June 18.  Two online workshops are taking place on May 17 - 23 to help this year’s entrants with any questions and can be booked via the website here www.cornwalltourismawards.org.uk.