Next year’s awards will once again be held at Newcastle Civic Centre and will be hosted by former BBC news presenter, Charlie Charlton. Tickets for the prestigious event are now on sale with businesses competing in 14 categories including Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, Large and Small Visitor Attraction of the Year and Pub of the Year.
The 2024 finalists were announced in October with Blackfriars Cookery School; Beamish, The Living Museum of the North and Langley Castle Hotel just some of the businesses in the running for an award.
Winners from some of the regional categories will then go forward to compete in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. This year the region picked up four national awards: Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours and Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages recieved Gold awards, Silver went to Langley Castle Hotel and Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort was awarded a Bronze.
A special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award will be presented on the night to an individual, business or organisation who has really made a mark on the industry. This year the award was picked up by Robson Green, whose programmes including Weekend Escapes, which is due to return to BBC 2 for a second series, have shone a light on the region and what is has to offer.
Sarah Green, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “The Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the wealth and quality of attractions, hotels and individuals who work tirelessly to offer visitors to the region an unforgettable experience.
“We are looking forward to once again coming together with the sector at Newcastle Civic Centre and recognising the outstanding work and excellence of our finalists.”
Host Charlie Charlton added: “I can wait to help celebrate the industry and all those individuals and businesses who work so hard and do so much for our fantastic region.”
As well tickets going on sale there are also a number of sponsorship opportunities available for the event including headline sponsors and category sponsors.
Delivered by Destination North East England and run in partnership with VisitEngland, (NEETA) celebrate quality, innovation, and best practice, showcasing the fantastic range of high-quality experiences on offer for visitors in our region. Destination North East England is led by NewcastleGateshead Initiative on behalf of the region, working with delivery partners Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham and in working in partnership with all seven local authorities.
To find out more about sponsorship opportunities email tourismawards@dnee.co.uk
Tickets for the awards are £55 + VAT = £66.00, per ticket or Table of 10: £550 + VAT = £660.00
