Entries have been whittled down for three new local categories specific to the region at the Destination North East England Tourism Awards 2025.

Finalists in the three new categories, designed to shine a light on the tourism industry’s amazing volunteers, up-and-coming new talent and the unforgettable events and festivals that have delighted audiences over the past 12 months have been revealed ahead of the glitzy final in March.

The new categories – Volunteer of the Year, Tourism & Hospitality Rising Star and Event or Festival of the Year – were introduced following feedback from the region’s visitor economy to ensure even more of the area’s tourism industry could be showcased at the annual awards ceremony in Spring next year.

Rigorous judging has been taking place since entries closed in December with finalists from across the region eagerly awaiting the results.

Designed to champion those dedicated volunteers who keep our visitor economy ticking, the Volunteer of the Year category was open to those volunteering within the tourism and hospitality sector. 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 amazing apprentices to superstar trainee managers to those making a real impact on their business or organisation. The Tourism Festival or Event category is for all of the unforgettable live events and festivals that light up the region and entertain visitors and locals alike.

For the first time in the awards’ history, the public will be able to have their say, as the winner of the Festival and Events category will be decided via a public vote – testing the entrant’s ability to galvanise a community spirit around their event. Details on how to vote will be released shortly.

Whilst winners of these categories won't be eligible to compete at the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, Destination North East England felt it was important to introduce categories that reflect the North East’s visitor economy in its entirety.

Chair of Destination North East England John Marshall said:

“We are delighted to be able to showcase even more of our tourism and hospitality superstars with these new local categories, designed especially for North East England. From showstopping events, to brand new tourism talent and the army of volunteers who delight visitors throughout the year, these new categories are truly reflective of our varied and diverse visitor economy.

Best of luck to our finalists – it’s going to be an unforgettable night in March as we announce the winners!"

Full shortlist:

Volunteer of the Year:

• Kynren Cast and Crew
• Newcastle City Guides
• Sarah Davidson - Northumberland County Show
  

Rising Star Award:

• Alaya Woodward - Riverview Bakery
• Ellie Robson - Northumberland County Show
• Oscar Edwards - Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond
  

Tourism Events & Festival of the Year:

• Durham Fire & Ice
• Kynren
• Northern Pride presents Pride in the City 2024
• Northumberland County Show- Tynedale Agricultural Society