We are delighted to announce that two Northumberland businesses have been recognised nationally as part of the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence shortlist.
Ad Gefrin, the Anglo Saxon museum and whisky distillery is hoping to bag New Tourism Business of the Year and Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant is aiming to prove its green credentials in the Ethical and Responsible category.
They’re joined by fellow North East finalists from the regional heats - which took place during English Tourism Week – Gateshead’s Glasshouse International Centre for Music, which is up for Business Events Venue of the Year, Seaham Hall, is vying once againto take home the Small Hotel of the Year award, Caitlin Brown of Newcastle based The Escape Key, who is hoping to bring home the Unsung Hero Award after Northumberland National Park’s Duncan Wise clinched the victory at last’s year’s national ceremony.
The shortlist of 52 has been drawn from hundreds of finalists in regional competitions and being shorlisted is an outstanding achievement!
The winners will be announced at a glitzy award ceremony in June at the iconinc Brighton Dome.
Andrew Fox, Chair of Visit Northumberland said
"Once again, we're thrilled to have the very best of Northumberland represented by our partner businesses in these national awards. Ad Gefrin and the Battlesteads exemplify what can be achieved in the pursuit of a quality and innovative visitor experience and we fully support them and the other North East representatives as they vie for glory alongside the nation's best in June.
Chair of Destination North East England John Marshall said:
“As the region’s winning streak continues, I am delighted that five of our incredible visitor economy superstars have made the national shortlist, an amazing achievement and a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate the breadth and the diversity of our tourism landscape on a national stage.”
“From an iconic place to host business events, to another unsung hero working tirelessly to create unforgettable memories for visitors to our part of the world, I couldn't be prouder of our visitor economy businesses and the people that make them tick."
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:
“England’s tourism industry has good reason to celebrate. As the finalists demonstrate, businesses across every region provide outstanding customer service along with high quality experiences while constantly innovating to find new ways to give more to visitors and the communities they serve.
“The applications to this year’s awards and the list of finalists are a testament to the range of first-class products on offer to both domestic and international visitors. I congratulate all the finalists who are already winners, and I wish them the very best of luck.”
Championing excellence and quality is a key part of England’s first Destination Development Partnership Pilot – which has recently announced further funding from Government to continue its work. 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 in partnershipwith all seven local authorities to unlock the growth potential of the visitor economy.
