SOME of the best-known names in the New Forest’s tourism industry have come away with trophies at a major awards ceremony.

The Beautiful South Awards, held at the Grand Brighton Hotel, aimed to celebrate outstanding contributions to tourism across the South and South East of England.

The Montagu Arms Hotel in Beaulieu was the only business to take two gold titles – in the Flavour of the South East award, sponsored by Whitstable Bay and Small Hotel of the Year, sponsored by e-Strategy.

Gold in the Business Tourism award went to Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in Brockenhurst.

The Chewton Glen in New Milton won gold in the Large Hotel of the Year award, sponsored by Quality in Tourism.

Shorefield Country Park at Milford-on-Sea took silver in the Holiday Park/Holiday Village of the Year title, sponsored by Hoseasons.

Go Ape at Moors Valley in Ringwood won bronze in the Tourism Experience of the Year category.

The winners now have the opportunity to represent the South East at Visit England’s national Tourism Excellence Awards.

Thomas Lyon-Shaw, manager at Careys Manor Hotel, said: “2014 has been an absolutely fantastic year for all involved at Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa, and we are always delighted to be nominated and recognised in such prestigious honours as the Beautiful South Awards.”

He added: “Each and every member of staff should be immensely proud of what they have achieved, both on an individual and team basis.”

Simon Pitman, group head of marketing at Shorefield Holidays, said: “We are thrilled to have scooped the Silver award for Holiday Park of the Year. We pride ourselves on offering a holiday experience that provides a range of accommodation, facilities, activities and local attractions across our six parks, and we’re very thankful to the judges for presenting us with this great award.

“We aim to continue improving and increasing the appeal of Shorefield Holidays and hope to work towards more awards like this in the near future.”

Peter Colling, managing director of Tourism South East, said: “Every year the Beautiful South Awards are a reminder of the amazing wealth of fantastic tourism businesses and experiences South East of England has to offer.

“And this year the overall standard of entries was higher than ever, making it extremely tough for the judges.

“The winners truly are the best of the best and a match for any in the country.”