Isle Of Wight Businesses Shortlisted In Regional Tourism Awards

A slew of Isle of Wight businesses are shortlisted for recognition in the south-east’s largest celebration of tourism, the Beautiful South Awards.

Recognising some of the best tourism businesses on the Isle of Wight alongside Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and Kent, the Beautiful South Awards are highly regarded in the industry, with winners in selected categories automatically entered into the national Visit England Awards.

To be named in the shortlist means that businesses will walk away with either Bronze, Silver or Gold.

Aiming for Gold for the second year in a row, Visit Isle of Wight is leading the charge with the Isle of Wight Walking Festival shortlisted in the Best Event/Festival of the Year.

Celebrating 25 years in 2024, the already award-winning Isle of Wight Walking Festival’s two events in Spring and Autumn have seen continued growth in attracting visitors from across the Solent, bringing an economic impact of over £1million to the visitor economy.

Making an appearance in two categories, Wildheart Animal Sanctuary at Sandown is shortlisted for Gold, Silver or Bronze in the Cafe/Tearoom of the Year award and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.

Tom’s Eco Lodge at Tapnell Farm is shortlisted for Glamping Business of the Year in the Beautiful South Awards, a category it has always performed strongly in.

The hotly contested Restaurant of the Year category sees the historic Royal Hotel at Ventnor shortlisted. 

The Old Mill Holiday Park at St Helens has been highly commended in the Holiday Park of the Year category.

Will Myles, MD at Visit Isle of Wight, said that Island businesses have plenty to celebrate:

"We’re over the moon that the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is shortlisted once again in the Beautiful South Awards, it is recognition of the dedication that goes into the organisation of the two events, and that of the volunteer walk leaders who are passionate about sharing their favourite parts of the Island.

"I’d like to congratulate the Island businesses who have been shortlisted or commended in the Beautiful South Awards, it is a testimony to their hard work – that recognition really does make a difference to people looking for somewhere to visit, which is why we always encourage Isle of Wight businesses to enter for awards!"

It’s not long to wait for the results, as winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony hosted by Heart Radio’s Toby Anstis at the Grand Hotel Brighton on 10 December.