The team at the Exmoor National Park Centre in Dunster are celebrating, having last night (Thursday 7 April) received Bronze Award for Visitor Information Service of the year in the
South West Tourism Awards. This puts them at the top of their game, as one of the leading visitor information services within the South West.
Dunster provides a gateway into the National Park - often reputed to be one of the best preserved medieval villages in the country - with the Centre situated off one of the main routes in from the A39. It is regularly used by local residents, repeat visitors and those on a first time trip to Exmoor, as well as visiting school groups. The Centre offers a wide range of information, interactive displays, a dedicated film theatre and a host of resources to equip visitors to enjoy the special qualities of the National Park.
Rose Gregory, Centre Manager at Dunster said: “Our passion is to inspire those visiting Exmoor to discover more and explore further. As a team we pride ourselves in expert advice and local knowledge. We strive to inspire people to not just to have the best visit but to help us to keep Exmoor special. We were thrilled to have recently been awarded Silver in the Bath, Bristol and Somerset Tourism Awards, and to have now received an award in the wider regional awards is the icing on the cake.”
Dan James, Rural Enterprise Manager at the National Park added: “All three of our Exmoor National Park Centres at Dulverton, Dunster and Lynmouth offer an exceptional service. They provide a warm welcome and the team will go out of their way to help visitors to get the most out of their time on Exmoor. This award builds on the fantastic customer feedback we receive and is a real credit to our hard working team, especially in light of the additional pressures the pandemic have placed on them.”
The award was presented at a celebratory dinner attended by over 300 winners, supporters and tourism leaders at Sandy Park in Exeter. The awards saw almost 500 entries from across the region, with judges poring over entry submissions, websites, social media and review sites and visiting businesses, often as ‘mystery shoppers’.
Jo Ecroyd, Customer Service Director of headline sponsor South West Water, said: “We are delighted to support the South West Tourism Awards which shine a spotlight on the best tourism businesses right across our region. The resilience and adaptability of the tourism industry over the last couple of years is inspirational, it is wonderful to be back together in person for this year’s Awards. Congratulations to all.”
Robin Barker, Director of Services for Tourism Ltd, who manage the Awards, concludes: “What a night! Tourism is known as ‘the happiness industry’ and last night showed everyone why, with friends, colleagues and competitors all reunited to join in the celebrations after two years of being kept apart. Congratulations to everyone who has continued to excel and innovate despite the countless hurdles.”
ENDS
