A TRIPLE gold-winning Exmoor business has reached the finals of a national tourism awards, one of only eight finalists from the Westcountry.

Flora and Fauna Exmoor, in Little Haddon Farm, Skilgate, near Wimbleball Lake, is run by Daniel and Rachel Barber.

They offer two luxury lodges for high-end glamping named ‘Flora’ and ‘Fauna’, and last year won three regional tourism gold awards.

Now, the couple have been shortlisted by the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence with the results to be announced during a ceremony on June 3 in Aerospace Bristol.

The national awards have been championing excellence in England’s tourism industry for more than 35 years.

They celebrate quality, innovation, best practice, and exceptional customer service.

Finalists represent the highest standards across accommodation, attractions, experiences, food and drink, accessibility, and business events.

The 53 finalists were selected from 369 winners of local schemes around the country.

Mr and Mrs Barber said: “What began as a small idea and a huge leap of faith has led to us being named national finalists in the VisitEngland Tourism Awards.

“To be recognised for creating a place in tourism that works in harmony with nature makes this honour all the more meaningful to us.”

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: “These awards honour the very best businesses and individuals in tourism, who are the driving force in an industry that delivers growth to local economies across England.

“I thank them for their dedicated service, congratulate them on achieving finalist status, and wish them every success.”

Entering a regional tourism awards scheme is the only way to progress to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

Westcountry tourism businesses can begin their journey to national recognition next year by entering the Bristol, Bath, Somerset, and Gloucestershire Tourism Awards, entries for which close on May 31.