Tiverton Museum among the finalists for Small Visitor Attraction at the Devon Tourism Awards 2013

Tiverton Museum is delighted to be the only museum to become a finalist in the Small Visitor Attraction category at the Devon Tourism Awards. Reaching this stage means that the museum will win either Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended awards.

Andrea Rowe Chairman of Trustees commented: "Tiverton Museum has shown that it consistently provides an excellent experience for tourists who are always delighted at its value for money, with children going free and adults finding plenty to amuse them."

The museum was awarded the Bronze Award for Visitor Attraction at last year’s awards, which was the first year that the museum had entered them.

Pippa Griffith, Museum Director said: "We are thrilled that we are among the finalists for the second year in a row. We are always trying to improve the service that we our visitors and these awards show that this is possible on a small budget."

Devon’s leading tourism businesses have been chosen for the finals of the Devon Tourism Awards which will be presented at a prestigious ceremony next month.

There are 14 categories in the competition which is now in its 4th year following its launch in 2010 in association with Visit Devon.  This year saw an increase to over 100 entries from the cream of the Devon tourism industry, with 44 businesses selected as finalists who will be in suspense until 13 November when they will learn whether they have won Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended awards.

The winners will be announced at Awards Ceremony on 13 November at the Grand Hotel in Torquay, hosted by Judi Spiers.

Successful businesses in the Devon Awards will then be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in 2014 and then possibly on to the National VisitEngland Awards later in 2014.

The Chairman of the Awards Panel, David Fursdon, says: “It is so hard to separate the entrants in the Devon Tourism Awards where we saw great skill, wonderful attention to detail and excellent customer service. As a result the winners had to demonstrate that little bit of extra magic, and they did!”

Stuart Devlin, Digital Director of headline sponsors e-Strategy, offered his congratulations to all the finalists: “e-Strategy would like to extend our congratulations to all of finalists. As a Digital Marketing Agency we have noticed how the tourism sector, in particular is leading the way in commercialised Digital Marketing and results driven Social Media engagement. All of the entrants must be applauded for their continued high standards in showcasing the best in what Devon and the wider region has to offer.”

Awards organizer Robin Barker of Services for Tourism commented: “I never cease to be amazed by the innovation, dedication and investment in this wonderful industry.  This year has seen more entries than ever before and an even tougher judging process.  It has been great working alongside Visit Devon and I look forward to meeting all finalists on the big night.”