Tourism businesses from across the region were back together for the first time post-pandemic for the North East Tourism Awards.
Presented by BBC Newcastle's Alfie Joey at the Civic Centre in Newcastle, it was a joy to see so many people turning out from a sector that was hit particularly hard by the pandemic. In 2019, the tourism sector was the fourth largest in the North East, employing around 63,000 people and the industry bringing £1.04b into Northumberland alone.
With 15 award categories, everything from family-run campsites and cottages to cosy pubs to large chain hotels were recognised, and businesses turned out in their droves for the celebrations. After a dinner cooked and served by students from sponsor Newcastle College, the prize-giving was underway.
Read more: The full list of winners at this year's North East Tourism Awards
Northumberland did particularly well on the night, taking gold in ten categories, with the biggest winners Alnwick Garden, picking up three awards alone! They were for Resilience and Innovation in Tourism, Experience of the Year and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.
Mark Brassell, Director of Alnwick Garden, said: "It’s incredible. We’re just absolutely astounded. Just being here and being a finalist is an honour and to come out with 3 awards is amazing. The team is great and it’s all about doing the right thing at the right time for the community and giving people a good experience.
"To be rewarded like this is such a boost. We were up against amazing competition, respect to everyone and to come home with 3 awards is amazing."
As well as a Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, there has to be an award for a small one! From three attractions which have fewer than 75,000 visitors a year or 10 or fewer staff, Kielder Observatory took the gold, ahead of Ushaw Historic House and Woodhorn Museum.
Catherine Johns, CEO of Kielder Observatory said: " I'm beyond proud of the team. They make the magic happen out there. Night after night they just inspire people and they literally reinvent people’s imaginations and it’s such a privilege to meet that team of people."
With many people shifting their post-pandemic travel focus to ethical and responsible travel, Laverock Law Cottages near Berwick took gold in the ethical, responsible and sustainable tourism award. Harvest Harris-Jones, co-owner at Laverock Law, could have also won the award for best celebration of the night too if that were a prize.
Read more: From hostels to castles: Where to stay near Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland
Catching up with her after the ceremony, she said she was "over the moon," while her husband Dave said: " We have won it before and it’s really exciting to win it again because it shows we’re maintaining our standards. If everybody works in a sustainable way the only winner is society, the planet and everything else."
As well as the award winners, there was a raffle which raised £2,700 towards the Blackfriars' Cook for Ukraine appeal. Some of the raffle winners won stays at rival hotels, while winners of the Best B&B and Guest House category, Market Cross in Belford, won an experience that co-owner Steve had done rather recently.
However, he was over the moon to win a stargazing evening at the Twice Brewed Inn and please to give money to a good cause, saying: "I actually did it about seven week ago I'll be hoping the skies are clear this time."
And Amanda was delighted with Market Cross's award, letting me in on why she thinks they came out with the gold. She said: "I think it's about our cooking. We make everything in the B and B and we source everything as locally as we can. I think that gives us a unique selling point."
Another business with a unique selling point is Vindomora Country Lodges, which brought two awards back to their holiday lodges near Ebchester on the border of County Durham and Northumberland. The lodges have been designed with accessibility in mind, and for that Vindomora was given gold in the accessibility and inclusive tourism award (as well as taking bronze in the camping, glamping and holiday park of the year."
It's not been all plain sailing for the lodges which opened three years ago, especially since two of those have been under the cloud of the pandemic. Craig said: "We want everyone to enjoy our location, and people who have mobility issues can come and enjoy a real lodge.
"Customer service is key for us and we concentrate on positive first contact. When we get a booking for people with mobility requirements, we build around what they need and make it bespoke.
"To get a gold award in just three years is amazing. We're only a small team and when we're bust it's just about six of us - it's down to our hard work."
Next year's tourism awards will arguably be even more exciting, and there may well be more competition. Increased attention around Hadrian's Wall for the 1900 Festival may unearth more tourism businesses across the region, while one of the largest investment's in tourism in north Northumberland and one of the most anticipated museum openings in the world for 2022, Ad Gefrin, is expected to open its doors in the autumn.
And, County Durham is one step closer to being named the City of Culture 2025 after making the final four, alongside Southampton, Bradford and Wrexham. There certainly is a lot to look forward to.
To see the full list of the winners from the North East Tourism Awards, click here.
