Isle of Wight businesses have been recognised for their excellence at an awards ceremony in Brighton on Tuesday (21 December 2023).

The Tourism South East Beautiful South Awards recognises 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 and one of the lead contributors to the successful festival that aims to increase visitor numbers to the Island in the traditionally quieter ‘shoulder season’ in May and October.

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.

Amy continues:

‘The Walking Festival is a firm favourite for visitors and residents, and we can’t wait to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this multi-award-winning event next year.’

David Howarth adds:

‘Congratulations to Visit Isle of Wight for winning the Gold award. The Walking Festival has developed into a major event on the Island tourism calendar. It’s great to be able to show walkers just what the Island has to offer – amazing landscapes and so much heritage. Walking is good for people’s health and wellbeing as well as generating significant income for the Island.’

The Royal Hotel in Ventnor was shortlisted in two 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:

‘All of us at Art Deco HouseUK are delighted to be recognised with the Silver Award, as one of the two best Self Catering properties in the whole of South England,according to Tourism South England. We have invested significantly in restoring our iconic green tiled house at the top of Shanklin cliffs and it’s an honour to have shone a light on the amazing hospitality sector of the Isle of Wight.’

Meanwhile Away Resorts Whitecliff Bay Holiday Park at Bembridge took home Bronze in the Holiday Park of the Year category.