Devon Scoops Top Group Travel Award.
Devon has been awarded the 2019 Best UK Destination Award at the Group Leisure and Travel Awards at the Milton Keynes ceremony on the 9th October.
Voted for by readers of Group Leisure & Travel magazine, the annual Reader Awards celebrate first class destinations, attractions and providers across group travel in the UK. The importance of Devon winning this award was further heightened by who the other top destination finalists were. They were up against the likes of Belfast, Birmingham, Isle of Wight Liverpool and London, all of which further signifies the status of this award.
This award celebrates the culmination of the last four years’ work on the ‘Devon for Groups’ strategy and is recognition for Devon’s Top Attractions, Devon’s accommodation providers, Visit Devon and the county’s area tourism partnerships. They have all worked together to make Devon into a group friendly winning destination offering top-quality tourism options. Devon’s Top Attractions, who led on the ‘Devon for Groups’ initiative, have produced some outstanding group itineraries and joint ticket options, also packaged with some top accommodation options, plus Devon’s own natural beauty and versatility which proved to be a winning combination.
Dick Wood, Devon’s Top Attractions incoming Chairman and a leading force in the ‘Devon for Groups’ initiative said: “We are proud and pleased to have received this prestigious accolade which is testament to the top-quality attractions, accommodation and destination options that Devon has to offer groups. We look forward to inspiring many more domestic and international groups to visit Devon and enjoy everything that our wonderful county has to offer.”
Anne Blackham, Marketing Manager for Devon’s Top Attractions and who collected the award on the night said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this nationally-recognised group travel award and bring it home to Devon. This award is fitting recognition to the quality of our top attractions and partners who continue to go above and beyond in offering memorable experiences for groups.”
Devon also scooped a second award for Group Travel Organiser of the Year Award®. This was awarded to Sue Shapland of the Exmoor Extroverts. Sue, who has been organising trips to destinations across the world for 20 years, was chosen by a judging panel for her commitment and passion in planning extraordinary outings and holidays for hundreds of people.
Devon’s Top Attractions have been representing Devon at most of the major Travel Trade and Group Travel Shows throughout this year and Visit Devon continue to represent the County at the international travel trade events.
