Double nominee Trebah Garden is one of seven Falmouth and Helston businesses to reach the finals of this year's Cornwall Tourism Awards.

The garden, which has also been recognised as highly commended in the Sustainable Tourism category, joins Mylor Sailing School, Kernow Adventure Park, The Waymarker, The Pandora Inn, The Mullion Cove Hotel, and the Helston Museum in having been nominated for an award.

The finalists were selected following a three stage judging process, and winners will be announced at a ceremony at the Headland Hotel in Newquay on November 3.

The annual competition has seen an increase to 25 categories this year, including a new Glamping award, as well as having entries increase by 13 per cent to 195, 75 of which were selected as finalists.

The winners will be entered into the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in February 2017 and possibly invited to represent Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly in the 2016/2017 National Visit England Awards.

Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall, said: “It's great to see the breadth and depth of quality in Cornwall - all the best to all of our finalists on awards night.”

Mark Warnes, property and portfolio director at headline sponsors Hoseasons, said: “Cornwall has once again demonstrated its central importance to the continuing success of the UK tourism industry over the last 12 months.

“That’s why we are delighted to be sponsoring these awards for a third successive year and celebrating the efforts of those who do so much to make sure it remains such a popular destination. The passion and dedication of those who work in the sector is just as important as the sights, facilities and accommodation this fantastic county has to offer, and we congratulate everyone who has been shortlisted.”

Awards organizer Robin Barker of Services for Tourism added: “Reading this year’s reports from the record 125 visits to tourism businesses has been inspirational and the judging so close, with top winners often separated by the tiniest of margins. I look forward to sharing in the celebrations on the big night as well as helping everyone develop still further in the months ahead.”

Nominations include: Mylor Sailing School for the Access and Inclusivity award, Kernow Adventure Park near Penryn for the Active and Sporting Experience award, The Waymarker near Gweek for Cafe and Tearoom of the Year, the Mullion Cove Hotel for Hotel of the Year, Trebah Garden for International Visitor Experience of the Year and Large Attraction of the Year, Helston Museum for Small Attraction of the Year, and the Pandora Inn for Tourism Pub of the Year.

Amelies in Porthleven did not make the final nominations but was highly commended in the Restaurant or Bistro of the Year category.

A Winner of Winners title and special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award will also be presented on the night.