Isle of Wight businesses were recognised for their excellence at the Tourism South East Beautiful South Awards in Brighton last night (Tuesday). The annual awards recognise top businesses across the region and once again, the Island is at the forefront. Judged by an independent panel, the awards are seen as a great way to boost business. Amy Summers, Sustainable Travel, Trade and Exhibitions manager at Visit Isle of Wight, was at the ceremony to pick up Gold for the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, alongside David Howarth from the Isle of Wight Ramblers Association. Amy says:
“It’s a huge honour to be a finalist in the Beautiful South Awards, but to go on and win the Gold Award for the best Tourism Event or Festival of the Year in the South East is a fantastic achievement. “It was great to have David Howarth from the IOW Ramblers alongside me to collect the award, in recognition of his dedication to the event throughout the years, and on behalf of all the volunteers that make the event what it is today.’
Organised by Visit Isle of Wight, the Isle of Wight Walking Festival was responsible for generating an estimated £500,000 of economic impact for the Island in 2023 and will celebrate 25 years in 2024. The Royal Hotel in Ventnor was shortlisted in 2 categories at the Beautiful South Awards, winning Silver for Restaurant of the Year and taking Bronze as Large Hotel of the Year. 
Also bringing home an award was the Art Deco House in Shanklin, winning Silver in the Self-catering Accommodation category. Meanwhile, Away Resorts’ Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park at Bembridge took home Bronze in the Holiday Park of the Year category.
