Celebrations at record-breaking Tourism Awards

After a record year for the awards with nearly 150 applications, The Lindisfarne Inn at Beal near Holy Island took Bronze in the most hotly contested category – Tourism Pub of the Year – and was Highly Commended in the Dog Friendly Business Category. 

The Commissioners Quay Inn at Blyth was awarded Bronze in the Inclusive Tourism category with The Hog’s Head Inn at Alnwick taking Highly Commended in the same section at the awards, which were presented by BBC Radio Newcastle’s Alfie Joey at Newcastle Civic Centre.

The Inn Collection Group’s operations manager Paul Brown said: “The North East England Tourism Awards play a major role in showcasing the fantastic range of high quality experiences offered to visitors. It was an honour to see our inns recognised with four awards, in a record-breaking year for nominations, alongside tourism giants such as The Sage, Durham University and Alnwick Garden. 

“The general managers and their teams at each of these fabulous pubs all go above and beyond in their efforts to give customers an outstanding visitor experience. My congratulations to you all for your hard work and dedication and indeed to all the winners and finalists who together make the North East tourism sector the outstanding success that it is.”

Attracting entries from tourism businesses spanning the length and breadth of the region, including Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Teesside and County Durham, the North East England Tourism Awards celebrate the very best in the region’s tourism sector. 

Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Congratulations to all of those who contribute to the success of the North East tourism sector. This year we received a record number of applications and all the categories were tightly contested.

“From our thriving city centres through to our beautiful coastline and stunning countryside, the tourism sector in the North East continues to flourish and grow.”

The North East England Tourism Awards are organised and delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with the North East Tourism Alliance.