Industry News

Epic outdoor spectacular Kynren was the big winner at the 2025 North East England Tourism Awards picking up two new awards for Volunteer of the Year, for the crew and team behind the event, and Tourism Festival or Event of the Year.

The new awards were introduced this year to showcase even more of the region’s incredible visitor economy. For the first time the public were invited to have their say in the Festivals and Event category with thousands of votes being cast for their favourite.

Also new for this year is The Rising Star award, which shines a light on the exciting new talent in the tourism sector, which was won by Ellie Robson, of Northumberland County Show.

Tourism and Hospitality businesses gathered at the annual awards ceremony last night (THURS) at Newcastle’s Civic Centre, which were hosted by broadcaster and North East ambassador Charlie Charlton.

A further 16 awards were announced with other winners including Rockliffe Hall Hotel, who was once again named Large Hotel of the Year, and newcomer to the region Ad Gefrin Anglo Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery, who picked up Gold for New Tourism Business of the Year.

The year’s special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award was handed to Susan Justice, Head of Business Development, North East at Bidfood, food and drink wholesalers, for her dedication and commitment to raising the profile of the food and drink sector in the region. With a career spanning more than 40 years in hospitality Susan has supported mentoring and career development in the industry, working with chefs, restaurants and hotels in ensuring the best quality produce and service is provided.

This is the third year the Outstanding Contribution Award has been presented with previous winners including Robson Green and Ann Cleeves, author of Vera.

Delivered by England’s first Destination Development Partnership – Destination North East England, winners in some of the categories will now go on to compete at a national level  at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, held in Brighton in June.

Other hotly contested categories were Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, which was won by Maldron Hotel Newcastle and Accessible and Inclusive Tourism which was won by Whitehouse Farm. Applications for both categories more than doubled this year, demonstrating the region’s commitment to creating a more sustainable, inclusive and regenerative future.

The full list of Gold winners is:

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award – Whitehouse Farm

B&B of the Year – The Beresford Arms

Business Events Venue of the Year – Crowne Plaza Newcastle Stephenson Quarter

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year – Tranwell Farm Campsite

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism – Maldron Hotel Newcastle

Experience of the Year – Blackfriars Cookery School

Large Hotel of the Year – Rockliffe Hall Hotel

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year – Hall Hill Farm

New Tourism Business Award – Ad Gefrin Anglo Saxon Museum & Whisky Distillery

Pub of the Year – South Causey Inn

Self-Catering Provider of the Year – The Glebe Retreat

Small Hotel of the Year – Seaham Hall

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year – Northumberland College Zoo

Taste of North East England – Dobson and Parnell

The Rising Star – Ellie Robson, Northumberland County Show

Tourism Festival or Event – Kynren

Unsung Hero Award – Caitlin Brown, The Escape Key

Volunteer of the Year – Kynren Cast and Crew

Outstanding Contribution to Tourism – Susan Justice, Bidfood

The Destination North East England Tourism Awards are made possible through the support of Local Visitor Economy Partnerships NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham. Headline sponsors for the event were once again Bidfood and Newcastle College were Event sponsors.  

Susan Justice, of Bidfood said: “What a night, both from a personal perspective as well from a sector point of view. It was an honour to receive an award alongside such esteemed company. Bidfood are proud to support the visitor economy in this truly special part of the world. Not only as a sponsor of the Tourism Awards, but day in, day out, as we work alongside all the incredible businesses we supply and partner with. From the fantastic producers to the innovative restaurants, cafes, eateries and attractions, who all play a part in the region’s culinary story. Our congratulations to all the winners and finalists. What an another amazing year in tourism for the region.”

Chair of Destination North East England John Marshall said: “Every year these awards are a joy to be part of, offering us a moment to take time to recognise the fantastic businesses and individuals who contribute to our visitor economy. The introduction of the three new awards was a way of shining a light on even more incredible organisations, events and people who add to the visitor offer. The region’s tourism sector is moving into a new era with ambitious targets and stronger partnerships aiming to deliver on the region’s potential. Well done to everyone who received awards tonight.”