Congratulations to two of the North East’s tourism superstars, who have seen national success following the North East England Tourism Awards in 2016, winning Gold at VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence.
Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant came out on top for Sustainable Tourism, while St Cuthbert’s House won Bed & Breakfast of the Year.
The prestigious awards, now in their 28th year, celebrate those businesses and individuals who continuously raise the bar of England’s tourism offer. The 25 award winners, from Afternoon Tea of the Year to Sustainable Tourism Award, Tourism Pub of the Year to Business Tourism Award, span the length and breadth of the country from Yorkshire to Devon, Warwickshire to Northumberland.
The awards ceremony, hosted by Sue Perkins, took place at the Hilton Waldorf in London and welcomed 67 finalists selected from almost 600 applications, the highest number ever received.
VisitEngland Chief Executive, Sally Balcombe, said: “This year’s awards were fiercely contested and we had some terrific applications, showcasing not only the excellence on offer within English tourism but also the outstanding innovation and the sheer diversity of experiences throughout the country.
“From afternoon tea in a railway carriage to ‘Alice in Wonderland’ boutique hotel rooms, from great family friendly animal attractions to cottages for one, all well deserved the recognition of their quality and service.”
The North East England Tourism Awards, which are free to enter, are organised and delivered by destination marketing agency NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with the Northern Tourism Alliance and local authorities across the region.
Winners at the North East England Tourism Awards have the chance to compete nationally at VisitEngland’s Excellence Awards. Four North East businesses were shortlisted for the national awards in 2017, with Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa and The Tankerville Arms making it through as finalists.
Katie Meyrick-Scott, general manager of Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant, said: “Winning three golds at the North East Tourism Awards was a fantastic achievement, and to then go on to win the national VisitEngland Award for Excellence for sustainability was really the icing on the cake.”
Planning is now underway for the North East England Tourism Awards 2017, with details to be announced soon. For information about the Awards in the meantime, please contact Joy Sanders joy.sanders@ngi.org.uk