The deadline for entry to the region’s tourism Oscars is looming with just under two weeks to go before applications close on Friday 9th September.
The North East England Tourism Awards play a major role in showcasing the fantastic range of high quality tourism businesses and experiences on offer to visitors across the region, with the awards ceremony set to take place on Tuesday 22 November 2016 at Newcastle Civic Centre.
This year sees the addition of three new categories; ‘Guided Tour of the Year’, ‘Self Catering Property of the Year’ and ‘Dog Friendly Business’ category.
Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative which organise the awards, said: “Tourism is vital to the health of the North East economy. Visitors contribute an estimated £4bn annually with tourism businesses supporting 54,000 jobs in the region.
“The North East has had a fantastic 12 months for tourism with the likes of Rugby World Cup 2015 and the Westfield Health British Transplant Games shining a light on the city and attracting visitors from around the world. Looking ahead the region will welcome events such as the Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018 and the World Transplant Games in 2019 – continuing to support the growth of our visitor economy.
“The North East England Tourism Awards provide a platform to promote and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the industry and I encourage businesses to take the opportunity to celebrate all they have accomplished by submitting an entry. It’s always a joy to hear about the fantastic work the finalists have delivered.”
The Awards are free to enter and winners have the opportunity to compete nationally at VisitEngland’s Excellence Awards, which provide an unparalleled opportunity for winning organisations to reach a national audience. Earlier this year, six North East businesses went on to achieve success nationally following the North East England Tourism Awards 2015.
Jeff Sutheran, owner St Cuthert’s House, said: “We were delighted to win two gold awards in 2015, carrying on to be successful at the national awards as well. The North East England Tourism awards have been fantastic for our small team, not only motivating them but creating a healthy pride in every aspect of our businesses. The Awards are also good for business, mainly because they generate publicity which simply could not be bought. They celebrate our brilliant industry and there’s always a good story to be told.”
NewcastleGateshead Initiative, in partnership with the Northern Tourism Alliance and local authorities across the region, organise and deliver the awards.
The Northern Tourism Alliance is a collaboration of the region’s tourism bodies who work together on projects that will benefit the tourism industry across the region. The founding members of the alliance are NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Northumberland Tourism, Visit County Durham, and The North East Hotels Association. The Awards are also supported by Active Northumberland, South Tyneside Council, North Tyneside Council and Sunderland City Council.
More information on the North East England Tourism Awards can be found at www.NorthEastTourismAwards.com, where applications are available to download.
Ends.
North East England Tourism Awards 2016 – Categories
- Hotel of the Year
- Boutique Accommodation/Small Hotel of the Year
- B&B/Guest House of the Year
- Self Catering Property of the Year
- Self Catering Holiday Provider of the Year
- Holiday Park of the Year
- Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
- Guided Tour of the Year
- Dog Friendly Business of the Year
- Tourism Pub of the Year
- Taste
- Sustainable Tourism
- Inclusive Tourism
- Business Tourism
For media enquiries contact:
Becky Beaumont
Media & PR Executive
T. +44 (0)191 440 5728
E. becky.beaumont@ngi.org.uk