For more than 20 years, the North East England Tourism Awards have helped to champion the region’s vibrant and diverse multi-million-pound tourism and hospitality sector and this year, more businesses than ever will compete to take home awards across 15 categories.
From accolades for the best places to eat and drink in the area to awards for those forging a trailblazing path in areas such as sustainability and accessibility, more than 130 entrants have been whittled down to a shortlist that features some of the region’s most beloved restaurants, attractions, hotels and experiences.
Delivered by England’s first Destination Development Partnership – Destination North East England, the awards will once again offer shortlisted businesses the chance to compete not only in the region, but on the national stage, with qualifying winners being put forward for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence next summer.
The shortlist is drawn from businesses from across the area, from rural escapes in Northumberland to exciting new pubs and restaurants in Sunderland. Applications for the ‘Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable’ and ‘Accessible and Inclusive’ categories have more than doubled since last year – demonstrating the region’s commitment to creating a more sustainable, inclusive and regenerative future – areas which are key to Destination North East England’s work to double the value of the visitor economy over the next 10 years.
The shortlist features a number of new businesses and entrants who haven’t been part of the awards previously, as the visitor offer in the region continues to develop and offer consumers a more diverse and exciting portfolio of visitor experiences.
A team of expert judges are now pouring over entries and making mystery shop visits to test out the visitor experience as part of a rigorous judging process, ahead of winners being announced at the annual awards ceremony in spring 2025.
As has become tradition, an Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award will be handed out at the ceremony to an individual or business who has had a profound impact on the industry and the region. Previous people honoured with this accolade include TV star Robson Green and Vera creator Ann Cleaves.
The Destination North East England Tourism Awards are made possible through the support of Local Visitor Economy Partnerships NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham, alongside sponsors drawn from across the private and public sector and in partnership with all seven local authorities.
Whether it’s experiencing our dramatic coastlines, tranquil countryside or our vibrant towns and cities, visitors really can access it all here in North East England and I am pleased to see such a fantastic representation of all we have to offer in the Destination North East England Tourism Awards shortlist. Each of the businesses who will be competing at next year’s ceremony demonstrate the excellence and quality we are rightly proud to showcase in the region and on behalf of Destination North East England, may I wish each and every shortlisted finalist the very best of luck.
The region's visitor economy has never felt as exciting and as dynamic as it does now, and the list of shortlisted businesses for the Destination North East England Tourism Awards really showcases the diverse array of incredible individuals and organisations that offer people an unforgettable visit to North East England. From one-of-a-kind attractions to world class restaurants and beautiful places to stay, we really do have a vibrant and unique visitor experience that just keeps getting better.
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