University goes for gold in tourism business award

Event Exeter, the brand for external events at the University of Exeter has been successful in the Business Tourism award. The team was recognised for high standards of customer service, sustainability, marketing and being accessible to all.

Event Exeter runs a wide range of events, from business meetings to weddings, on the University Campus. The income raised through these activities goes back into the University to support its world-class research and teaching.
 
At the awards event on the 23 November at Saunton Sands Hotel, Devon the team will find out whether they have won a Gold or Silver award. Guest speaker and presenter at this year’s event will be Gill Williams, Travel Editor of the Sunday Mirror, who will be adding her own anecdotes and comment on the region’s winners.

The regional GOLD winners will be put forward for VisitEngland’s, National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence 2010, where seven South West businesses received nationwide recognition in April 2009, making the South West the overall winning region.

Sarah Snow Head of Event Exeter commented: “Event Exeter was launched earlier this year to represent the University of Exeter’s portfolio of venues. The name Event Exeter was chosen to reflect the University’s commitment to selling Exeter as a first-class destination for business tourism.

"We have worked hard during the last 12 months to raise awareness of the brand.  Achieving such high recognition during the brand’s infancy is testament to the team’s success and hard work. I am delighted as this award firmly puts Event Exeter at the forefront of business excellence in the region.”

This is the latest in a series of accolades for Event Exeter this year. Other recent successes include the Customer First accreditation, 2009 Group Travel Awards Finalist for Best Accommodation for Groups and the 4 Star Enjoy England Campus Accreditation.

Alistair Handyside, Chairman of South West Tourism, said: “Congratulations to the winners and finalists. Winning at the regional awards is a great achievement for any business especially more so in these economic times. These businesses have shown that customer care, staff training and continued investment have not faltered but have grown and they are committed to exceeding visitor expectations.”