Stars of North East's tourism industry shine

Credit: Daniela Luquin

Four North East tourism businesses have been recognised at the national tourism awards.

Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours and Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages were presented Gold awards, Silver went to Langley Castle Hotel and Rockliffe Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort was awarded a Bronze in the prestigious national finals. The four finalists were selected after winning Gold at the North East England Tourism Awards in March.

In the Experience of the Year category, the Grey Seal and Seabird Cruise by Serenity Farne Island Boat Tours, Northumberland took home the Gold Award. They were competing against Peak District Walking Experience, myGuidedWalks, and Make Your Own Gin Experience, Shed 1 Gin Distillery, Cumbria.

Kidlandlee Holiday Cottages, Northumberland, scooped up Gold in the Self Catering Accommodation of the Year category against Eaton Manor Country Estate, Shropshire and The Dovecote Barns, North Yorkshire.

Sarah Green, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: "I was so proud and thrilled to attend the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence last night and see these incredible businesses being recognised first-hand. "These winners are a vital part of the fantastic tourism offer the North East has and are a wonderful example for us all. I am so pleased their hard work, dedication and passion for their place is being celebrated. These awards give us a national platform from which to project our incredible region and its wonderful tourism businesses." 

For more information on the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence please visit here.