The finalists for the North East England Tourism Awards have been announced, with Northumberland featured prominently among the contenders. 

The annual awards, set to take place in March, will honor achievements across 18 categories, with three new additions this year: Volunteer of the Year, Tourism & Hospitality Rising Star, and Event or Festival of the Year.

Several businesses from the camping, glamping, and holiday park sectors are nominated, including Tranwell Farm Campsite, Vindomora Country Lodges, and Walkmill Campsite.

The Ethical, Responsible, and Sustainable Tourism Award has seen Battlesteads, Laverock Law Cottages and Glamping, and The Glasshouse International Centre for Music among the nominees.

The awards also include a range of hospitality categories, such as B&B and Guest House of the Year, with nominees including Old School House in Haltwhistle, The Beresford Arms in Whalton, and Wydon Farm B&B.

In the new categories, the Northumberland County Show, organized by the Tynedale Agricultural Society, has been nominated for Event or Festival of the Year. 

Sarah Davidson and Ellie Robson, both associated with the event, have been shortlisted for Volunteer of the Year and Rising Star, respectively.

John Marshall, chair of Destination North East England, expressed enthusiasm about the new categories, highlighting their importance in showcasing the region’s tourism and hospitality sectors. 

“From showstopping events, to brand new tourism talent and the army of volunteers who delight visitors throughout the year, these new categories are truly reflective of our varied and diverse visitor economy,” he told the Northumberland Gazette.

Other nominees for Volunteer of the Year include Kynren Cast and Crew, and Newcastle City Guides. The Rising Star category features Alaya Woodward from Riverview Bakery, Oscar Edwards from Holiday Inn Newcastle Jesmond, and Ellie Robson of the Northumberland County Show.

In the Tourism Event and Festival category, the Northumberland County Show competes alongside Durham Fire & Ice Kynren and Northern Pride’s Pride in the City 2024.

The Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award nominations include Durham Cricket, The Alnwick Garden, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, and Whitehouse Farm Centre.

An Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award will be presented, with past recipients such as TV star Robson Green and Vera creator Ann Cleeves. The winners will be revealed during the ceremony in March.