Shortlist announced for North East tourism superstars

The shortlist for the North East England Tourism Awards has been announced today (21 October 2016), following another record breaking year for entries. (Full shortlist detailed below)

Playing a major role in showcasing the range of high quality tourism businesses and experiences on offer to visitors across the North East, the awards have continued to grow year on year. Of the 143 entries this year, over 60 businesses entered the awards for the first time – 20 of which have made this year’s shortlist.

Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said “It’s fantastic to have another record breaking year for entries and I’m delighted to see so many new businesses enter the awards.

“The tourism sector continues to thrive as the quality and variety of tourism businesses in the North East of England maintain such a high standard. I’m always impressed to see the outstanding work the finalists have delivered and I look forward to celebrating their achievements with them at the awards ceremony in November.”

This year sees the addition of three new categories; ‘Guided Tour of the Year’, ‘Self Catering Property of the Year’ and ‘Dog Friendly Business’.

55 applications made this year’s shortlist from a wide range of tourism businesses across Country Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.

The 2016 Shortlist

Boutique Accommodation / Small Hotel of the Year    

• Carraw Bed and Breakfast
• The Clifton
• The Lindisfarne Inn
• The Commissioners Quay Inn

Bed and Breakfast Guest Accommodation          

• Greycroft B&B
• The Grange B&B
• St Cuthbert’s House
• The Old Manse @ Chatton

Business Tourism Award   

• Seaham Hall
• Crown Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson Quarter
• Event Durham, Durham University
• Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa

Dog Friendly – New category         

• Northumberland Self Catering Cottages Ltd (Mains Cottages)
• Bracken Hill Farm Cottage
• Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant
• South Causey Inn

Guided Tour 

• Victoria Tunnel
• Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours
• Iles Tours
• Cullercoats Bike & Kayak

Holiday Park of the Year     

• Northumbrian Water - Kielder Waterside
• Heathergate Country Park
• Springhouse Country Park

Hotel of the year                  

• Ramside Hall Hotel
• Langley Castle Hotel
• Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa
• Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant

Inclusive Tourism    

• The Hog’s Head Inn
• Go North East
• National Glass Centre
• Tyneside Cinema

Large Visitor Attraction      

• Life Science Centre
• Sage Gateshead / North Music Trust
• Beamish, The Living Museum of the North

Self-Catering Holiday Provider      

• The Old Stables Knitsley
• Ellingham Hall
• Northumberland Self Catering Cottages Ltd (Mains Cottages)
• Mill Granary Cottages

Self-Catering Property        

• Woodside Lodge
• Bracken Hill Farm Cottage

Small Visitor Attraction                  

• South Tynedale Railway
• Bowlees Visitor Centre
• Cullercoats Bike & Kayak
• RSPB Saltholme

Sustainable Tourism           

• Durham University
• St Cuthbert’s House
• Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant

Taste Award 

• Durham University Catering
• Colmans of South Shields
• Martineau Guest House
• Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant

Tourism Pub

• The Angel of Corbridge
• The Tankerville Arms
• The Lindisfarne Inn
• Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant

Katie Meyrick-Scott, General Manager of Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant (pictured), said: “On behalf of all the team at Battlesteads, we are delighted to have been shortlisted in five categories for this year’s North East England Tourism Awards. The North East is home to so many fantastic tourism and hospitality businesses and so it is an honour to be recognised by the leading tourism awards in the region. We are looking forward to celebrating with all of the other shortlisted businesses at the awards ceremony.”

Northumbrian Water are supporting the awards for the fifth consecutive year, joined by Gateshead College as the headlines sponsors for 2016.

David Hall, Head of Leisure, Strategy & Transformation at NWG said: “We are delighted to support these awards for the fifth year in a row, they showcase the very best the North East has to offer those visiting, living and working in the region. From spectacular coastlines, vibrant cities and fantastic heritage sites to our own breath taking Kielder Waterside there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. Tourism is a vital part of our economy and it’s great to celebrate success.

“All nominees should be rightly proud of the valuable contribution they play in strengthening the economy of the region and regenerating the area for local communities.”

Ivan Jepson, director of business development at Gateshead College, said: “The North East Tourism Awards is a fantastic celebration of all the amazing experiences that our region has to offer. We are thrilled to have been part of the judging once again and can’t wait to recognise those organisations that really go the extra mile for their guests. We’re also very proud to have some of our talented students working with NewcastleGateshead Initiative this year to help make the event a huge success.” 

The results will be announced at the glittering celebration on 22 November at Newcastle Civic Centre’s Banqueting Hall, hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle breakfast show presenter, Alfie Joey.