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23 November 2016

Triple gold success for Battlesteads at North East Tourism Awards

Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant in Wark, Northumberland, is celebrating after winning a record three Gold awards at the 2016 North East Tourism Awards.The sustainable hotel, restaurant and observatory achieved the Gold Awards for Sustainable Tourism, Tourism Pub and the Taste Award, as well as winning a Bronze in the Hotel of the Year category and a Highly Commended Award for Dog Friendly Business.This is the first time in the history of the awards that a business has won three Gold Awards in the same year.Katie Meyrick-Scott, general manager of Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have won not just one but three North East Tourism Gold Awards. To also receive Bronze and Highly Commended awards in two further categories is a huge achievement for us and is fantastic recognition for the hard work of all the team. We’re now looking forward to representing the North East at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2017”.Organised and delivered by the NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with the Northern Tourism Alliance, the North East England Tourism Awards showcase the high quality tourism businesses and experiences on offer to visitors to the region. The winner of each category is automatically entered into the annual VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which will take place in April 2017.Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said “A huge congratulations to Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant for winning three golds at this year’s North East England Tourism Awards. As always the businesses shortlisted were of an extremely high standard so to not only win one gold award but three is a great achievement. The North East of England has a fantastic tourism offer, and Battlesteads Hotel & Restaurant are one of many businesses playing a key role in welcoming visitors to the region.”More information about the awards can be found at www.NorthEastTourismAwards.com.
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21 October 2016

Shortlist announced for North East tourism superstars

The shortlist for the North East England Tourism Awards has been announced today (21 October 2016), following another record breaking year for entries. (Full shortlist detailed below)Playing a major role in showcasing the range of high quality tourism businesses and experiences on offer to visitors across the North East, the awards have continued to grow year on year. Of the 143 entries this year, over 60 businesses entered the awards for the first time – 20 of which have made this year’s shortlist.Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said “It’s fantastic to have another record breaking year for entries and I’m delighted to see so many new businesses enter the awards.“The tourism sector continues to thrive as the quality and variety of tourism businesses in the North East of England maintain such a high standard. I’m always impressed to see the outstanding work the finalists have delivered and I look forward to celebrating their achievements with them at the awards ceremony in November.”This year sees the addition of three new categories; ‘Guided Tour of the Year’, ‘Self Catering Property of the Year’ and ‘Dog Friendly Business’.55 applications made this year’s shortlist from a wide range of tourism businesses across Country Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.The 2016 ShortlistBoutique Accommodation / Small Hotel of the Year Carraw Bed and BreakfastThe CliftonThe Lindisfarne InnThe Commissioners Quay InnBed and Breakfast Guest Accommodation Greycroft B&BThe Grange B&BSt Cuthbert’s HouseThe Old Manse @ ChattonBusiness Tourism Award Seaham HallCrown Plaza Newcastle - Stephenson QuarterEvent Durham, Durham UniversityRockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & SpaDog Friendly – New category Northumberland Self Catering Cottages Ltd (Mains Cottages)Bracken Hill Farm CottageBattlesteads Hotel & RestaurantSouth Causey InnGuided Tour Victoria TunnelSerenity Farne Island Boat ToursIles ToursCullercoats Bike & KayakHoliday Park of the Year Northumbrian Water - Kielder WatersideHeathergate Country ParkSpringhouse Country ParkHotel of the year Ramside Hall HotelLangley Castle HotelRockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & SpaBattlesteads Hotel & RestaurantInclusive Tourism The Hog’s Head InnGo North EastNational Glass CentreTyneside CinemaLarge Visitor Attraction Life Science CentreSage Gateshead / North Music TrustBeamish, The Living Museum of the NorthSelf-Catering Holiday Provider The Old Stables KnitsleyEllingham HallNorthumberland Self Catering Cottages Ltd (Mains Cottages)Mill Granary CottagesSelf-Catering Property Woodside LodgeBracken Hill Farm CottageSmall Visitor Attraction South Tynedale RailwayBowlees Visitor CentreCullercoats Bike & KayakRSPB SaltholmeSustainable Tourism Durham UniversitySt Cuthbert’s HouseBattlesteads Hotel & RestaurantTaste Award Durham University CateringColmans of South ShieldsMartineau Guest HouseBattlesteads Hotel & RestaurantTourism Pub The Angel of CorbridgeThe Tankerville ArmsThe Lindisfarne InnBattlesteads Hotel & RestaurantKatie Meyrick-Scott, General Manager of Battlesteads Hotel and Restaurant (pictured), said: “On behalf of all the team at Battlesteads, we are delighted to have been shortlisted in five categories for this year’s North East England Tourism Awards. The North East is home to so many fantastic tourism and hospitality businesses and so it is an honour to be recognised by the leading tourism awards in the region. We are looking forward to celebrating with all of the other shortlisted businesses at the awards ceremony.”Northumbrian Water are supporting the awards for the fifth consecutive year, joined by Gateshead College as the headlines sponsors for 2016.David Hall, Head of Leisure, Strategy & Transformation at NWG said: “We are delighted to support these awards for the fifth year in a row, they showcase the very best the North East has to offer those visiting, living and working in the region. From spectacular coastlines, vibrant cities and fantastic heritage sites to our own breath taking Kielder Waterside there truly is something for everyone to enjoy. Tourism is a vital part of our economy and it’s great to celebrate success.“All nominees should be rightly proud of the valuable contribution they play in strengthening the economy of the region and regenerating the area for local communities.”Ivan Jepson, director of business development at Gateshead College, said: “The North East Tourism Awards is a fantastic celebration of all the amazing experiences that our region has to offer. We are thrilled to have been part of the judging once again and can’t wait to recognise those organisations that really go the extra mile for their guests. We’re also very proud to have some of our talented students working with NewcastleGateshead Initiative this year to help make the event a huge success.” The results will be announced at the glittering celebration on 22 November at Newcastle Civic Centre’s Banqueting Hall, hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle breakfast show presenter, Alfie Joey.
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07 October 2016

All About Autumn at South Tynedale Railway

The leaves are changing colour, and the nights are drawing in but we’re determined, before winter arrives, to have one last week of autumnal fun here at South Tynedale Railway. After that we close until we start our Santa’s Toyland Railway events in December, so we don’t have much time left!Our ‘All About Autumn’ week during half term (24th – 29th October) will be full of seasonal fun and activities for kids of all ages, with trains running every day until 30th October, culminating in our Halloween Spooktacular.Join us in our Activity Hub during the week for traditional games such as conker-duelling, corn dolly making, and leaf rubbings; or why not indulge in a henna tattoo, or a spot of face painting? We’ll have a treasure hunt around the station to keep you on your toes, and as we love quizzes, we’ve planned a special Autumn Quiz to ensure that every brain cell is kept busy while you’re visiting us.Our Halloween Spooktacular on 30th October will make a fabulously scary finale to our main operational season. Visit our witch’s cave and see if you can identify the mysterious body parts! Pick your wound or disease and have the Carlisle College students make you up with their theatrical make-up. And show off your best fancy dress costume (we’ll be wearing ours).
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06 October 2016

Northumberland wins 'Best UK Region for Families' 2016

Northumberland has triumphed in the 2016 Family Traveller Awards, winning ‘Best UK Region for Families’ at the awards ceremony at The White Company’s flagship store in London last night. From over 1600 nominations across the 25 award categories, a shortlist of just over 300 was drawn up by the Family Traveller team before going to a public vote and expert judging from a panel including the Family Traveller editor Jane Anderson, broadcaster and writer Mariella Frostrup, BBC's Simon Reeve, travel editor of The Times Jane Knight, and Elle magazine’s travel & lifestyle director Sue Ward Davies.There was also joy for accommodation providers Coastal Retreats, who came runner-up in the ‘Best UK Accommodation - Group’.It is a good omen for the 2016 British Travel Awards next month, in which Northumberland is the only North East county in England to be nominated for ‘Best UK Holiday County/Destination’. Jude Leitch, director of Northumberland Tourism, said: “We are thrilled with this award. We were up against strong competition in the category so to be recognised as the best by both the judges and the public shows Northumberland has something really great to offer visitors of all ages, including families.From the wilds of Northumberland National Park, Kielder Water & Forest Park and the North Pennines, to the beautiful sandy beaches and seaside towns on our coast, there is something for everyone. We hope this will inspire travellers young and old to discover Northumberland for themselves.”
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22 September 2016

330K boost to wildlife experience at Kielder

Opportunities for visitors to live the wild life at Kielder Water & Forest Park will be created with the support of new funding of more than £330,000 made possible by National Lottery players.At the end of 2015, an initial Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £17,700 was handed to the Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust to develop its ‘Living Wild at Kielder’ project. This has now been followed with an additional £336,300 from HLF.The project will help create “nature hubs” to allow people to experience and learn about the area’s special animals and plants. This will be complemented by a year-round events and activity programme.The Trust will create wildlife trails from Stonehaugh, Falstone and Greenhaugh villages with support from the local community. It will also work with businesses to increase take-up of the events and activities, while wildlife ambassadors and volunteers will inspire and engage with visitors.Lynn Turner, Director of Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “The wildlife that lives within Kielder Water & Forest Park is incredibly diverse and impressive, so the creation of an increasing array of opportunities for people to experience and learn about the species and habitats is fantastic.“The awarding of this new support from the Heritage Lottery Fund is wonderful news for the ‘Living Wild At Kielder’ project. With this enhanced offering for nature lovers, alongside the largest man made lake in northern Europe and England’s largest working forest, the attraction of Kielder as a destination for visitors goes from strength to strength.“The park is already well known for walking and cycling, as well as its Dark Skies status. This funding adds even more, with different experiences to be had throughout the year.”As part of ‘Living Wild at Kielder’, there are plans to improve visitor interpretation boards and support the long-term protection of the Park’s wildlife, particularly at Bakethin Nature Reserve which provides an important sanctuary for local plants, birds and other wildlife. The Trust will be working alongside Newcastle University School of Architecture students to create a new wildlife hide and visitor welcome point at Bakethin.New nature trails are planned around Kielder Castle, linking to Kielder Salmon Centre and there will be a new wildlife themed exhibiton at Tower Knowe Visitor Centre.The award-winning Park is home to England’s largest red squirrel population and in 2009, ospreys returned to the area following an absence of more than 200 years in Northumberland.Nick Mason, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Development Manager said “We are delighted that money raised by National Lottery players is going to help us bring nature and people closer together at Kielder, adding to the significant attractions of the Forest Park.”Ivor Crowther, Head of HLF North East, said: “Kielder Water and Forest Park is already a popular attraction in Northumberland and this project provides a fantastic opportunity for thousands of visitors to venture further into the park and experience the incredible natural heritage it has to offer.“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, ‘Living Wild at Kielder’ will have a transformational and lasting legacy for Kielder’s visitors and wildlife.”Northumbrian Water, Forestry Commission, Northumberland Wildlife Trust and the Environment Agency will help deliver the project with the Trust, with the support of Northumberland National Park Authority and Newcastle University.
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08 September 2016

The search to find the Trail of the Year kicks off

iBikeRide have announced today the start of the campaign to find the top UK trails and bike parks of 2016. Now in it's 4th year the Trail of the Year campaign will decide the top trails through rider ratings and reviews on the iBikeRide site.Kielder Mountain Bike Trail at Kielder Water & Forest Park is representing Northumberland. You can vote for them by leaving your review here.Daniel Mintz, Director of iBikeRide.com said "The Trail of the Year campaign exists to give credit and publicity back to the most deserving trails and bike parks in the UK and more importantly give recognition to the local trail communities, organisations and businesses that make them the successes they are. We invite all riders to come share your experiences."This year the Trail of the Year campaign is sponsored by some great brands like BikePark Wales (last years winner), East Coast Adventure, Dirt Factory, One Planet Adventure and many more. Thanks to these sponsors, iBikeRide are offering riders the opportunity to win some amazing prizes. Every rating and review written enters a prize raffle that will will drawn on New Years day and the more trails you rate and review the more chance you have of winning.Dan Makin, Dirt Factory Director, said: "We are delighted to support the iBikeRide Trail of the Year 2016. The UK has some fantastic trails in all regions and the quality of riding on offer seems to get better year on year. With the iBikeRide Trail of the Year award, the mountain bike community can vote on and celebrate their favorite riding destinations. Get riding and then get voting!"Martin Astley, Director, BikePark Wales is quoted as saying "The iBikeride.com trail of the year awards mean a lot to us at BikePark Wales as the winner is chosen by the riding public. We've been thrilled to win categories the last couple of years."Jennifer Cumming, Director East Coast Adventure in Northern Ireland said "East Coast Adventure is delighted to be involved with iBikeRide. Our Mountain Bike Centre in Rostrevor offers xc and downhill trails to all levels of riders. With the addition of our Glamping Pods it gives our customers a seamless mountain bike/Glamping holiday experience. Rostrevor MTB trails are the home training grounds for Irish DH champs in both Juvenile, Youth, junior women & womens' categories. We're keen to see more visitors to the area and do everything we can to assist our visitors and ensure they want to come back again and again."
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02 August 2016

Mini Mania at Woodhorn

There’s a fabulous treat in store for fans of classic cars at Woodhorn, as the Northumberland museum hosts its first event celebrating the iconic mini motorcar.Tynemouth Mini Club will be presenting The Geordie Job at Woodhorn on Sunday 7th August and minis of all kinds will be coming from far and wide to take part. Organisers are expecting everything from the original 1960 Mark 1 mini to mini vans, pick-ups and estates, 1980s and 1990s Mini Coopers and limited editions, even the Mini Moke.It may almost 60 years since the first car rolled off the production line, but the car has a very special place in the hearts of most people and is in fact recognised as the world’s favourite small car. Visitors will be able to find out more about the history of this enduring British icon from the early days right up to today’s BMW versions.One of the special things about the mini is the endless variety of vehicles with many cars customised or personalised. The cars heading to Woodhorn will of course include vehicles lovingly restored to pristine show room condition, but visitors will also be able to see those still needing a little tlc to bring them back to their former glory.Visitors can see the vast array of minis at the museum from 11am – 5pm, but anyone wanting to take part in the event with their own mini should get in contact in advance with the event organisers, Tynemouth Mini Club. For more information visit http://www.tynemouthminiclub.co.uk/
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01 August 2016

Record breaking breeding season for Kielder ospreys

The Kielder ospreys have had their most successful ever breeding season this year since they first began nesting at Kielder Water & Forest Park in 2009.Nine chicks have already fledged, beating 2014’s record of eight, with a further two more birds expected to take their first flights within the next week.First to fledge was the chick ringed Y1 on 13 July from the nest known as 1A. Over the course of the following five days, his brother and two sisters also flew for the first time. Since then, three birds have fledged from Nest 2 and two from Nest 3, bringing the total to nine. Two further juveniles are expected to fledge from Nest 4 shortly. Philip Spottiswood, Forestry Commission Wildlife Manager, said: “We are all delighted that 2016 has been a record breaking year for Kielder’s ospreys, the young birds will help to ensure that this once rare species continues to recover in England. Thanks goes to the Forestry Commission’s Wildlife Rangers who have done so much to ensure prime nesting sites are available in Kielder Water and Forest Park.”Despite this great success, in the face of some challenging weather conditions earlier on in the season, this year has not been incident free. Sadly, the third juvenile to fledge from Nest 1A - the eldest Y0 - has not been seen since she first left the nest on 15 July. The area around the nest was searched without success and it is unclear what has happened to her. The first year of an osprey’s life is always challenging, not least because it includes a solo migration to (mainly) Africa from late August onwards.Visitors can still watch the birds on Nest 1A through a nest camera broadcasting at Kielder Castle Café at the Forestry Commission’s Kielder Castle Visitor Centre and Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park. Fans of the famous birds can also keep up to date with them by checking the blog at https://kielderospreys.wordpress.com/The Osprey Watch is organised by Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust and Northumberland Wildlife Trust, with support from the RSPB. The partners are working hard to ensure that the ospreys are here to stay by maintaining a high quality habitat in Kielder Water & Forest Park and safeguarding and monitoring the nest site. To find out more, go to www.visitkielder.com
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15 July 2016

Schools Out at South Tynedale Railway

There’s plenty to occupy all ages during the summer holidays at South Tynedale Railway. Trains will be running every day from 16 July until 1 September and we’ve added some extra activities for the kids!Each Monday we’re inviting families to ‘pramble’ (amble with your pram) along the South Tyne Trail adjoining the railway track. As you enjoy the view your little ones can try to spot our Treasure Hunt clues. Having reached Kirkhaugh, or even Lintley Halt station, climb aboard the train to make the return journey in comfort - don’t forget to buy single tickets from the shop at Alston station before leaving - and enjoy a refreshing drink on production of that ticket.On Superhero Tuesdays there will be a competition inviting children young and old to create their own Railway Superhero. What should they be called? What should they wear? What railway superpowers should they have? We’re looking forward to your creative endeavours and there will be a prize!‘Storytime’ for younger visitors is each holiday Tuesday at 11.45 and 3.30 in the Discovery Centre – superhero fancy dress not obligatory but would add to the fun!The Discovery Centre screens will also be the place to learn about superhero pioneers of early railways, such as George Stephenson, as well as our own volunteer superheroes at South Tynedale Railway. Added to this will be shown a fascinating visual recreation of early steam engines.Oh, and quizzes … everyone loves a quiz so we’ve created easy (for kids?) and hard (for parents?) versions to test your railway knowledge … can you become our “Quiz Superhero”?There’s plenty to fill a summer day at the South Tynedale Railway with train rides to take in our beautiful North Pennine scenery, an ice-cream from the gift shop, a spot of lunch at the Buffer Stop Café (or a picnic take-away) and the Discovery Centre display telling the tale of “Life on the Line – the rise and fall and rise again of a rural railway”.
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11 July 2016

Exploring Northumberland's Dark Past and Bright Future in Art

A celebration of art and architecture in Northumberland has seen the unveiling of 11 new installations at Kielder.The launch of London-based Fiona Curran’s “The grass seemed darker than ever” – an artistic response to the history of Kielder Castle – also saw the introduction of ten temporary installations created by Fine Art students at Newcastle University.Located only 600m from Kielder Castle, “The grass seemed darker than ever” features more than 350 individually painted fence palings encircling a section of the forest floor, now painted black.The piece is inspired by the history of enclosure of the English landscape, reflecting, in particular, the Black Act of the 18th Century. This Act enabled the death sentence to be passed on people suspected of poaching on the newly-enclosed land, or those found in the forest with blackened faces.Fiona Curran said: "It has been a wonderful experience working at Kielder over the past year with such a committed and supportive team of people. The landscape has been a constant source of inspiration throughout the changing seasons. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work in such a magical place, to participate in the Art and Architecture programme, and to contribute to the area’s rich histories."One of the student artworks is based on the story of Hansel and Gretel. A vending machine sited in the forest dispenses miniature gingerbread sculptures and visitors are led there by a trail of crumbs.All 11 pieces of work form part of Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust’s Art and Architecture programme. These particular pieces have been made possible thanks to support from the Forestry Commission, Northumbrian Water, and Arts Council England.The ten pieces by Fine Art students build upon the growing relationship between Kielder Water & Forest Park and Newcastle University. Previously architecture students have designed a stargazing pavilion in Stonehaugh, a warm room for stargazers at Kielder campsite and currently redeveloping a dilapidated roundhouse in Rochester.Peter Sharpe, curator of Kielder Art and Architecture, said: “The Art and Architecture programme is constantly evolving and it is great to work with established artists, such as Fiona, as well as students who represent the future of art. Having worked with Newcastle University’s architecture department, it is great to expand that relationship.”Professor Andrew Burton, Acting Head of Newcastle University’s School of Arts and Cultures, said: “It is fantastic for our students to be able to contribute to Kielder’s wonderful Art and Architecture programme. The art has been created by students ranging from those in their first year to those studying for Masters degrees and for them to be able to deliver installations that sit in this stunning environment is incredibly rewarding as we look forward to building upon our relationship with the Kielder team.”Guests, including members of the Kielder community and local dignitaries, were taken from Kielder Castle to the Fiona Curran artwork, and given an opportunity to walk along the Duchess Trail, taking in the student work.
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08 July 2016

Northumbrian Music Festival to Tour the North

Performances to include Full Length Operas, Classical and Traditional music to be held over 5 weekends between October and MarchHighlights announced today of the 2016 Northumberland Music Festival include Mozart’s The Magic Flute, Verdi’s Rigolleto, a full length performance of The Pirates of Penzance, The Northumbrian Ranters, and a concert performance by Graeme Danby. Taking place at The Robert Parker Collection of hotels, the festival will commence with A Feast of Gilbert & Sullivan on 14th October at Eshott Hall near Morpeth, and end with The Pirates of Penzance at Doxford Hall, near Alnwick, on 11th March. It will also tour the other hotels in the Robert Parker Collection, including Dalhousie Castle Hotel, near Edinburgh, Ednam House in Kelso, and the Wordsworth Hotel in Grasmere. Further details for the Northumberland Music Festival can be found at www.nmfestival.co.uk or telephone 01668 283100.The decision to tour the 6th Northumbrian Music Festival is the latest innovation introduced to the unique event. Organised by The Robert Parker Collection of Hotels, the concerts have become an established part of the musical scene in Northumberland. The expansion of the hotel group was seen as an opportunity, and the events will now be held in each of the 5 hotels in the group.Mark Booth General Manager of Doxford Hall, which has been hosting the festival since the outset commented earlier today: “We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the Northumberland Music Festival, Heritage Opera and of course the Northumbrian Ranters back to Doxford Hall. We know from experience that all performances include a gourmet meal, the festival offers the perfect winter’s evening of entertainment, fine food and culture.”The Northumbrian Ranters at Doxford Hall Hotel – one of the key Events in the 6th Northumberland Music Festival, which has just been announced, will take place on 10th March.Heritage Opera will be bringing full length productions of The Magic Flute [Mozart], Rigolleto [Verdi] and The Pirates of Penzance [Gilbert and Sullivan]. The programme also includes highly successful operatic galas, and this year, for the first time, sacred music and an organ recital – thanks to the Church at Grasmere – who’s other claim to fame, is the burial place of Wordsworth.The Northumbrian Ranters, featuring young musicians from throughout Northumberland, have been at every festival, and continue to draw full houses whenever they appear. Commenting on the Festival at its launch, organiser Barbara Huddart said: “We are delighted that the Northumbrian Music Festival goes on tour for the first time. The music and the food that accompanies it combine to make a hugely memorable event for all who attend.“The halls and castles of the hotel group are perfect venues for musical performance – with large spaces that were designed from the outset for large social events. Most also provide a dramatic backdrop for the classical music that is often contemporary with their architecture.”A full programme can be obtained from the Festival organisers at [email protected], by ringing 01668 283100 or writing to the Northumberland Music Festival, Cheviot Centre, Padgepool Place, Wooler, NE71 6BL
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06 July 2016

Northumberland nominated for 2016 British Travel Award

Northumberland has been nominated for the Best UK Holiday County/Destination in the prestigious 2016 British Travel Awards (BTAs). The winners will be determined by the public, who have until 30 September to cast their vote. The ‘Best UK Holiday County/Destination’ category is particularly strong this year, with Northumberland up against five other nominees: Cornwall, Devon, Pembrokeshire, Somerset and Yorkshire. Once again, Northumberland is the only county in the North East to be nominated, so it is hoped the whole North East region will get behind Northumberland to bring the Gold ‘up north’! The British Travel Awards are considered the benchmark for excellence when it comes to finding out who really is the best in the travel industry. The campaign for Northumberland to become the ‘Best UK County/Destination’ is being led by Northumberland Tourism in partnership with Active Northumberland. They believe this year will be third time lucky for Northumberland. The county scooped Silver awards in both 2014 and 2015, narrowly missing out to the reigning champion and long-standing tourism giant Cornwall. Jude Leitch, director of Northumberland Tourism, said: “We are thrilled to once again be nominated in the British Travel Awards. Thanks to huge public support over the past two years, we were pleased to win Silver at the 2014 and 2015 British Travel Awards, beating much-loved destinations such as Devon, Durham and Yorkshire. We’re keen to go one better this year and be crowned the Best UK Holiday County/Destination 2016. “Tourism is an important asset to Northumberland, both in terms of employment and economic growth. To win Gold would be great recognition of the hard work and dedication of our team, and those of the businesses large and small who tirelessly support the sector year on year.”British Travel Awards’ chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said: “This year there are nearly seven hundred nominations listed against 83 Award categories and competition to win a British Travel Awards will be fierce. In 2015 more than a million votes were cast by the consumer to decide the winners, making the BTAs easily the largest awards programme in the UK. Voting in the 2016 Awards is now open and nominated companies have until 30th September to lobby their happy customers for votes – good luck to Northumberland.”Follow Visit Northumberland and spread the word on social media with #VoteNlandTwitter @VisitNland | Facebook and Instagram @visitnorthumberlandTO VOTE GO TO www.visitnorthumberland.com/sharenland
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