Several members of the Association of Tourist Attractions in Kent were recognised in the Beautiful South Awards for Excellence 2010. The annual Awards, organised by Tourism South East, are now in their 20th year and recognise exceptional levels of customer service and dedication to raising standards in the tourism industry.

The Kent Attractions that were awarded the region’s highest accolade were the Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre which was named Small Visitor Attraction of the Year and Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks which also scooped gold – this time in the Digital Marketing category.

This year’s Beautiful South Awards attracted the largest ever number of entries and the winners now go on to represent the South East in the 2011 Enjoy England Awards for Excellence in April.

The Gold awards weren’t Kent’s only successes in the prestigious awards; the Flavour of the South East category was dominated by attractions from the county with Chapel Down Winery and the Shepherd Neame Visitor Centre receiving silver awards while Brogdale Collections were Highly Commended.

Other Highly Commended accolades went to Leeds Castle in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category and Tonbridge Castle in the Small Visitor Attraction section.

Visit Kent also picked up a Silver Award in the Destination Marketing category.

Congratulations to all the winners from across Kent.