Northumberland has topped the list of nominees once again at this year’s North East England Tourism Awards.
The shortlist for the prestigious industry awards were announced last week with 37 of the 63 nominees coming from the county.
Businesses who have been shortlisted in two different categories include South Tynedale Railway, The Alnwick Garden and St Cuthbert’s House, Seahouses. Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant is shortlisted in an incredible three categories after celebrating previous awards success earlier in the year. First time applicant Falconry Days was also shortlisted in a staggering three categories.
The winners will be announced at a ceremony next March at the Civic Centre in Newcastle which is to be hosted by North East comedian, Chris Ramsey the Strictly Come Dancing star, will also be doing a short stand-up routine on the night.
The format of the awards has been revamped this year so that they now align more closely with the modernised ‘VisitEngland Awards for Excellence’, which are celebrating their 30th year in 2019.
To mark this milestone, VisitEngland launched the revamped Awards to reflect innovations across England’s tourism industry with new categories and eligible winners of all categories will be automatically put forward to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2020.
Cllr Cath Homer, cabinet member for Culture, Arts and Leisure at Northumberland County Council said: “This is absolutely fantastic news for Northumberland and truly showcases the outstanding and diverse offerings in our county.
“Tourism is a key economic driver for the county with over ten million visitors during 2018, a 2% increase on 2017.”
The North East England Tourism Awards are organised and delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with the Northern Tourism Alliance, a collaboration of the region’s tourism bodies including Northumberland Tourism.
Cris Brown, Operations Manager at Northumberland Tourism said: “The North East England Tourism Awards not only highlight the importance of tourism to the region but also shine a spotlight on the variety and quality of the tourism offer within the North East.
“We are delighted to see that over half of the businesses that are shortlisted are from Northumberland.”
Cllr Cath Homer, added: “The North East Tourism Awards commend those businesses who help to make Northumberland an unforgettable place to live, work, invest and visit - something our own campaign, Discover our Land, champions. We wish of all of those nominated the best of luck in the awards.”
To find out more about the Discover our Land campaign visit www.discoverourland.co.uk. A number of the businesses shortlisted are also members of the Produced in Northumberland initiative, led by the council, which highlights businesses which are producing or using local produce. To find out more about Produced in Northumberland go to www.producedinnorthumberland.gov.uk
The full list of Northumberland shortlisted businesses are:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
South Tynedale Railway
The Joiners Arms
B&B and Guest House of the Year
Market Cross Guest House
Layside Bed and Breakfast
St Cuthbert’s House
St Valery Boutique B&B
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Herding Hill Farm Touring, Camping and Glamping Site
Hesleyside Huts
Seafield Caravan Park
Westfield House Farm Shepherd’s Huts
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
South Tynedale Railway
Westfield House Farm
Battlesteads
St Cuthbert’s House
Experience of the Year
Footsteps in Northumberland
Falconry Days
The Alnwick Garden
Large Hotel of the Year
Matfen Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa
Doxford Hall Hotel and Spa
Small Hotel of the Year
Lord Crewe Arms
Walwick Hall
Battlesteads
International Tourism Award
Falconry Days
New Tourism Business Award
Shepherds Retreats Ltd
The Amble Inn
Pub of the Year
The Apple Inn
The Angel of Corbridge
Twice Brewed Inn
Self-Catering Accommodation Provider of the Year
St Oswald’s Farm
Mains Cottages
Brunton House and Cottages
Taste of North East England Award
Restaurant Hjem
Barrasford Arms
Battlesteads
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Bamburgh Castle
The Alnwick Garden
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Falconry Days