The South Devon AONB and the South West Coast Path included in the South West’s Protected Landscapes has been awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

The South West Protected Landscapes includes thirteen Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, two National Parks, The South West Coast Paths, the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site and the UNESCO Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve.

None of these places charge an entry fee, yet they remain one of the primary reasons why visitors choose the region as a destination, which contributes significantly to the visitor economy.

The award recognises the ever-present volunteers and key staff that manage the assets of some of the region’s most beautiful countryside under the constant pressures of having to retain funding in order to give visitors the best possible experience.

Roger English, manager of the South Devon AONB unit said: “We feel very privileged to receive this award. It showcases the value these areas have to the economy in the South West.

“The award is for all our teams and partners, but for me, also for all the farmers, landowners, businesses, organisations and individuals that help make these special places truly outstanding through generations of hard work and management.

The Office for National Statistics has reported that parts of the UK’s natural capital, including Protected Landscapes such as those in the South West contributed £16bn to the economy in 2015, with an estimated contribution of £761bn forecast over the next 100 years.

While making the presentation, SW Tourism Alliance Chairman, Alistair Handyside said: “Today, Tourism in the South West would like to recognise the Outstanding Contributions to tourism that the Protected Landscapes make, that in turn, enables us to deliver such wonderful, and varied visitor experiences for our guests.”

Other businesses in the South Devon AONB who received awards include the Guardhouse Cafe at Berry Pomeroy, Salcombe Harbour Hotel and Hello Kingsbridge, the Kingsbridge Information Centre.

The full list of Outstanding Contribution to Tourism winners included: Jurassic Coast Trust, Dartmoor National Park, Exmoor National Park, Isles of Scilly AONB, Cornwall AONB, East Devon AONB, North Devon AONB, South Devon ANOB, Tamar Valley AONB, Dorset AONB, Cranborne Chase AONB, Mendip Hills AONB, Blackdown Hills AONB, Quantock Hills AONB, North Wessex Downs AONB, Cotswolds AONB, North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, English Riviera UNESCO Geopark and South West Coast Path.