Winners of the North East Tourism Awards have spoken of their pride of getting golds in their respective categories.
The awards, presented by Ophelia B during English Tourism Week, were held at Newcastle Civic Centre on Thursday night, aiming to recognise the range of quality tourism businesses that visitors to the North East experience. Winners came from all parts of the industry, with everyone from hotels, to boat tours, to unsung heroes recognised.
Nine of the gold awards went to businesses in Northumberland, while an "extra special" outstanding contribution went to Hexham-born TV presenter Robson Green, for his work in championing the North East.
Read more: Robson Green wins Outstanding Contribution at North East England Tourism Awards
Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland said: "Our businesses go the extra mile to ensure the highest quality of service, leaving visitors with memories that make them come back time and time again. It is fantastic to see businesses being recognised for this."
However, the biggest winner on the night was Teesdale Cheesemakers in County Durham, the only business to take two Gold awards. A post on their Facebook page said they were thrilled, shocked and humbled after one award, while a second read: "Not one but two awards! Blown away! Amazing!"
Husband and wife Philip and Fiona Gregory were delighted to take home two awards. They took gold in the Best News Business section and Silver for Best Glamping site of the Year for their site Hillside Huts and Cabins.
Philip said: "We are delighted to have won both a Gold and Silver at the North East Tourism Awards. We were particularly pleased by the judges’ comments that Hillside Huts & cabins had an excellent understanding of their market, had sustainable goals at their heart, exceeded the expectations of their guests and had clear plans for their future development."
The four "unique" cabins near Morpeth were named one of the best new glamping sites in the UK in The Times last year, and remained fully booked for much of 2022. Philip continued: "With farm incomes being squeezed we knew we had to find another way of making income form the land. It seemed the obvious choice with my experience of luxury safaris, this venture combines our interest in wildlife, the environment, and our love of the Northumbrian landscape."
A more familiar name was Market Cross Guest House in Belford, which retained the title of B&B and Guest House of the Year. Owners Steve and Amanda White posted on their Facebook page: "Feeling super proud of ourselves this morning. We couldn’t do it without all of you fantastic guests, friends and family, thank you all so much.
Two years is undoubtedly impressive, but Seaham Hall retained its small hotel of the year crown for the third consecutive year. The hotel and spa on the County Durham coast took the same award at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence last year, which some of Thursday night's gold winners will progress to later this year.
Ross Grieve, managing director at Seaham Hall said: "The award is testament to our Northern charm and true dedication to luxury hospitality, which is displayed by the whole team at Seaham Hall year on year. This fantastic award follows recent accolades including the top trophy for Small Hotels of the Year 2022 in VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence, and The Times & Sunday Times’ North of England Hotel of the Year 2023. We’re thrilled to have started 2023 in such a positive way and look forward to more achievements throughout the year."
Meanwhile, large hotel of the year went to Rockliffe Hall Hotel in Darlington. Jason Adams, managing director, said: "We are hugely pleased and proud of every team member who plays a part in delivering exceptional experiences for our guests. Winning this award is testament to their hard work and acknowledgement of Rockliffe Hall as a jewel in the crown of the North East."
Both Seaham Hall and Rockliffe Hall are also the North East's representation among Pride of Britain Hotels, a collection of the "very best" independent hotels across the country.
Reflecting on a busy night for the North East Tourism industry, Sarah Green, chief executive of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, who deliver the awards, said: "It was amazing to celebrate the 20th birthday of the North East awards with such inspiring businesses and individuals who ensure our region gives visitors a warm welcome and special experiences.
"We've doubled the visitor economy in the North East over the past twenty years but have set ourselves an ambitious target to double it again in the next ten years. The North East being announced as the pilot area for the new structure of national tourism bodies and the visitor economy being referenced in the North East Devolution deal demonstrates the level of support for the North East tourism sector.
"Our aim is to ensure this sector creates more jobs, supports people at all levels to develop skills, embraces net zero sustainability and provides greater experiences for all being recognised as an exemplar for accessibility and inclusivity. To do this we need to continue to work with the private sector to enable further investment."
To read the full list of the winners of the 2023 North East England Tourism Awards, click here.
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