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
Bed and Breakfast Guest Accommodation
Business Tourism Award
Dog Friendly – New category
Guided Tour
Holiday Park of the Year
Hotel of the year
Inclusive Tourism
Large Visitor Attraction
Self-Catering Holiday Provider
Self-Catering Property
Small Visitor Attraction
Sustainable Tourism
Taste Award
Tourism Pub
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.