Three new categories, exclusive to North East England are now accepting entries.
Three more chances to win at the 2025 Destination North East England Tourism Awards
We've launched three new local categories, designed especially for North East England to showcase even more of the region's incredible visitor economy.
Entries for the core Destination North East England Tourism Awards categories have closed for this year, but hot on the heels of the shortlist being announced we're excited to officially launch three new local categories: Volunteer of the Year, The Rising Star Award and Tourism Events & Festival of the Year. Unlike the other categories which are aligned with the VisitEngland awards nationally, these new ones have been created based on feedback from you, the North East's visitor economy to help us showcase even more of our amazing people, places and experiences.
Whilst winners of these categories won't be eligible to compete at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, we felt it was important to introduce categories that reflect the amazing volunteers, trailblazing rising stars and unforgettable events and festivals that delight visitors and locals alike.
The awards will culminate in a glitzy awards ceremony in March 2025. More information to follow.
Entries close - 2nd December at 5pm
Start your application today
Volunteer of the Year
Designed to champion those dedicated volunteers that keep our visitor economy ticking, the Volunteer of the Year category is open to those volunteering within the tourism and hospitality sector. From running a community café to bringing a visitor attraction to life as a volunteer guide, volunteers are the lifeblood of our visitor economy and this award will celebrate their hard work, commitment and passion for their volunteering role.
The Rising Star Award
Celebrating those new to the industry, whether they are fresh out of training or exploring a new career. The Rising Star Award will shine a light on the most exciting new talent in the visitor economy, from superstar trainee managers to those making a real impact on their business or organisation.
Tourism Events & Festival of the Year
This category is for all of the unforgettable live events and festivals that light up the region and entertain visitors and locals alike. Whether its a major music concert or an immersive theatrical show in a local park, this new category will shine a spotlight on unforgettable live events which bring people and communities together.
