High standard at tourism awards

Oct 17 2009 by Iain Laing, The Journal

HOTELS, attractions and an ice cream-maker have all been highlighted for their success at the 2009 North East England Tourism Awards.

The awards, organised by regional development agency One North East, rewarded the leading individuals, businesses and attractions that are contributing to the region’s tourism industry, which is worth almost £4bn to the local economy.

Alan Clarke, chief executive of One North East, said: “I would like to congratulate all the winners on their success.

“The standard and number of entries to this year’s awards was incredibly high and all the finalists should be very proud of their achievements.

“2009 has been a challenging year for the region’s economy but the tourism industry has continued to see a growth, with occupancy levels at many of the region’s accommodation providers showing an increase on last year.

“And with continued private and public investment in tourism, the region can offer visitors an exciting and unique choice of things to do and places to stay.”

Geoff Hodgson, chairman of the North East Tourism Advisory Board, who presented the awards, said: “This year’s winners showcase the quality and diversity of the tourism businesses we have in the region and are a great example of excellence.

“They will now go on to represent North East England at the national tourism awards next year, where the region has achieved great success previously. We hope this will also be inspiration for other businesses to enter the awards next year and take advantage of the fantastic rewards they bring.”

Two winners from the 2008 North East England Tourism Awards went on to win gold at the National Enjoy England Awards for Excellence. The Old School, a B&B in Newton-on-the- Moor, near Alnwick, won Best Tourism Website of the Year and The Hytte self-catering cottage, near Hexham, won in the Access for All category.

For more on the awards and the winners see the 20-page supplement in the Evening Chronicle on Monday