Current champions are going head-to-head with first-time finalists in the battle to be crowned the “best of the best” at this year’s Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards.
The much-anticipated shortlist of finalists, revealed today by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY), is being described as “the most exciting ever”.
In total, 72 businesses and attractions will be represented at the glittering awards night at Bridlington Spa, on Thursday, November 14th.
This year is the 14th time the awards have been held, and they are being run in partnership with the national Visit England Awards. Winners will automatically be put forward, if eligible, for judging in the National VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.
VHEY’s Chair, Chris Blacksell said:
“Tourism plays such an important part in making Hull and East Yorkshire a wonderful place to live and visit.
“The feedback we get from day visitors and holidaymakers makes us proud and shows just how far we have come since the first awards were held over 14 years ago.
“We are working in partnership with VisitEngland and have aligned a number of our categories, and are using a shared online application process. This means that, in most REYTA categories, the winners will automatically be put forward, if eligible, for judging in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence without any further application.
“A huge thank you for all of the businesses that have engaged with the REYTA’s this year, as well as our main sponsors Wykeland and Fred Marketing, along with our category sponsors, without whom the awards would not be possible.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:
“The awards are a testament to the popularity of the region as a visitor destination and the range of what’s on offer to see and do within Hull and East Yorkshire.
“The visitor economy is a hugely important sector for the region’s economic growth and prosperity and good luck to all of the amazing finalists this year.”
Councillor Rob Pritchard, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Hull City Council, said:
“This is a remarkable event to celebrate a remarkable industry, which contributes almost £1 billion annually to the Hull and East Yorkshire economy and provides employment for over 18,000 people.
‘’The awards showcase the very best that Hull and East Yorkshire have to offer.’’
Visit Hull and East Yorkshire said they had been “stunned” by the quality of entries.
In total, six current champions have made it through to the finals again when 16 awards will be presented.
There’s no shortage of newcomers, though, and a new business, Walking the Wolds, is shortlisted for Remarkable New Tourism Business alongside four other fantastic entries. Walking the Wolds shares the walking adventures of Bill and Mrs M in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, offering easy to follow routes, guided walk events, inspiration about places to stay, eat and find dog friendly services. Showcasing everything the Wolds has to offer for dog-loving visitors and residents alike.
Ferens Art Gallery that has sat in the heart of Hull City Centre for almost 100 years is also through to the final of Remarkable Visitor Attraction of the Year. The gallery has become a premier cultural venue in the region and home to an ambitious programme of high-profile touring and temporary exhibitions with many people making this a regular stop on their visits to Hull.
Ferens Art Gallery will be up against other fantastic visitor attractions, including multiple winner of the award Williams Den who will be aiming to win the award for an unprecedented third year in a row.