Destination North East England, the first Destination Development Partnership in England has issued a last-minute warning to businesses and individuals to enter its three new categories at the prestigious Destination North East England Tourism Awards, 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.

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. Now, we're encouraging businesses and individuals to enter before it’s too late.

Rigorous judging has been taking place over the last few months for the awards’ regular categories, with entries for the three new categories closing on 2^nd December before a glitzy ceremony in March as part of English Tourism Week.

Designed to champion those dedicated volunteers who 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.

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 Festival and Events 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.

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.

For over 20 years, the North East England Tourism Awards have celebrated the great and the good of the region’s tourism and hospitality sector. Led by Destination North East England on behalf of the region’s Local Visitor Economy Partnerships NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Visit County Durham, Visit Northumberland and all seven local authorities, the awards help to advance excellence and quality in the area, making the region more attractive to visitors and helping to increase the value of the visitor economy.