The region’s leading tourism businesses were celebrating last night (THURS) as the winners of North East England Tourism Awards were announced.
This year the annual awards, being held during English Tourism Week, were once again able to return to a full ceremony at Newcastle’s Civic Centre, after hosting a virtual ceremony last year due to the pandemic.
BBC Radio Presenter Alfie Joey presented the awards and winners on the night included The Alnwick Garden who picked up three Gold Awards, including in a new category this year Resilience and Innovation in Tourism.
Also new for this year was the Unsung Heroes category which celebrated individuals who go the extra mile to ensure visitors have a truly memorable experience. The gold award was won by Clive Goodwin, of The Ouseburn Trust, who co-ordinates the programme of tours at The Victoria Tunnel.
The full list of Gold winners is:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award – Vindomora Country Lodges
B&B and Guest House of the Year – Market Cross Guest House
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year – Beacon Hill Hideaways
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism – Laverock Law Cottages & Glamping
Resilience and Innovation Award – The Alnwick Garden
Small Hotel of the Year – Seaham Hall
Unsung Hero Award – Clive Goodwin, The Ouseburn Trust
Experience of the Year – The Alnwick Garden
New Tourism Business Award – Triple A Food Tours
Pub of the Year – The Blackbird
Self-Catering Provider of the Year – St Oswald’s Farm
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – Kielder Observatory
Taste of North East England – Colman’s Seafood Temple
Large Hotel of the Year – Hotel Indigo Durham
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – The Alnwick Garden
The awards play a key role in celebrating and showcasing the range of quality tourism businesses that visitors to the North East encounter. The tourism sector continues to be the fourth largest in the region, highlighting the importance of the businesses working in the sector to the wider economy.
The awards were once again sponsored by Newcastle College and Bidfood. Students from both Newcastle College and Gateshead College also supported the evening with photography, videography and hospitality service.
Sarah Green, Chief Executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) who deliver the awards, said: “Huge congratulations to all of the winners tonight. It was fantastic to all be together again celebrating our amazing tourism sector in the region, especially during English Tourism Week which helps to shine a light on the nation’s tourism sector.
“All of tonight’s businesses have demonstrated the true strength and quality of tourism businesses in the North East, something they should all be extremely proud of. Our two new category winners tonight are great examples of the inspiring attractions and talented individuals here in the region, who despite challenging times over the last few years have continued to deliver an unforgettable service for our visitors.”
Lisa Hamilton-Murray, Deputy Principal, at Newcastle College, said: “Newcastle College continues to be a proud supporter of the North East England Tourism Awards and this year’s event was particularly special.
“After such a challenging two years, it was the first time that many of our students were able to gain valuable work experience within the hospitality and tourism sector and it was wonderful to see them being part of the event. It was also fantastic to be back together with our local venues and employers, and to celebrate and recognise the vital part they play in supporting our region. Congratulations to all of the winners.”
Susan Justice, Head of Business Development North East at Bidfood, added: “We were delighted to be able to sponsor the North East England Tourism Awards again this year, and it was made even more memorable after not being able to celebrate in person for so long.
“This year we also sponsored the Small Hotel of the Year Award which highlighted the fantastic choice visitors have when choosing some where to stay in the region. Congratulations to all of the winners.”
A raffle was also held on the night with money raised going towards the Blackfriars Cook Up for Ukraine appeal.
Full List of Winners:
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Gold- Vindomora Country Lodges
Silver- GHOSTnortheast – The Walk
B&B and Guest House of the Year
Gold- Market Cross House
Highly Commended- Old Rectory Howick
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Gold- Beacon Hill Hideaways
Silver- Woodland Chase Glamping
Bronze- Vindomora Country Lodges
Highly Commended- Walkmill Campsite
Ethical, Response and Sustainable Tourism
Gold- Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping
Silver- CBK Adventures LTD
Resilience and Innovation Award
Gold- The Alnwick Garden
Silver- Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
Bronze- Langley Castle Hotel
Highly Commended- Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
Small Hotel of the Year
Gold- Seaham Hall
Silver- Langley Castle Hotel
Bronze- High Force Hotel
Unsung Hero Award
Gold- Clive Goodwin- Ouseburn Trust
Silver- John Nolan- Northside Surf School
Bronze- Richard Darlington- Hall Hill Farm
Highly Commended- Carl Howe- Valhalla North Axe Throwing
Experience of the Year
Gold- The Alnwick Garden
Siver- The Escape Key
Bronze- Ingram Valley Farm
New Tourism Business Award
Gold- Triple A Food Tours
Silver- Sycamore Cottage & Glamping Pods
Bronze- Woodland Chase Glamping
Pub of the Year
Gold- The Blackbird
Silver- The Feathers Inn
Bronze- The Bamburgh Castle Inn
Highly Commended- The Twice Brewed Inn
Self-Catering Accommodation Provider of the Year
Gold- St Oswald’s Farm
Silver- Breamish Valley Cottages
Bronze- Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Gold- Kielder Observatory
Silver- Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels & Gardens
Bronze- Woodhorn Museum
Taste of North East England
Gold- Colman’s Seafood Temple
Silver- The Feathers Inn
Bronze- Teesdale Cheesemakers
Large Hotel of the Year
Gold- Hotel Indigo Durham
Silver- Maldron Hotel Newcastle
Bronze- INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle
Highly Commended- Ramside Hall Hotel
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Gold- The Alnwick Garden
Silver- Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
Bronze- Roman Vindolanda Fort & Museum