WOODOVIS Park at Gulworthy near Tavistock has beaten off competition from more than 60 businesses across the county to be named Holiday Park of the Year at the Devon Tourism Awards 2010.

The independently run holiday park took Gold in the holiday park category at the inaugural awards, created to celebrate the cream of the Devon tourism industry.  The award was presented to Woodovis Park at a ceremony at the Thurlestone Hotel in South Devon recently.  Judges praised owners John and Dorothy Lewis for their absolute commitment to staff training and constant investment in standards.

This latest accolade comes hot on the heels of Woodovis Park achieving gold in both the David Bellamy Conservation Award and Green Tourism Business Scheme, serving as further recognition of the hard work invested in delivering an exceptional holiday experience. 

Rosie Bates, general manager of VisitDevon, said: 'It's fabulous to have the opportunity to recognise Devon's outstanding tourism businesses, we would like to congratulate Woodovis Park on their achievement, they truly are exemplars of what Devon has to offer to visitors from near and far.'

Accepting the award, John Lewis said: 'We are thrilled to have been singled out for this award and would like to thank all of our team for making this possible.  Our shared vision is what makes Woodovis Park the special place it is.'

Tavistock mayor Cllr David Whitcomb applauded the recognition the award brings to the area. 

'It's fantastic to see a thriving local business in the spotlight,' he said. 

'Tavistock has so much to offer visitors and I'd like to congratulate John and Dorothy for placing the region's tourism industry centre stage.'

 Successful businesses in the Devon Awards will be fast tracked into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in November 2010, and then possibly on to the National Enjoy England Awards next year.