Awards Shortlist Joy!

October 16th 2015

We’re delighted to have been shortlisted in the North East England Tourism Awards 2015!

Beamish is a finalist in the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year category of the region’s “tourism Oscars”, alongside Seven Stories, Sage Gateshead and the National Glass Centre.

The winners will be announced during a ceremony at Newcastle Civic Centre on 24th November.

Richard Evans, Beamish’s Director, said: “This is wonderful news! It’s great recognition for our staff and volunteers who bring Beamish to life every day for our visitors.

“Last year was a record year, we welcomed over 650,000 people to the museum including 300,000 tourists to the region. We are proud of the impact we have on the economy of the region.”

Beamish was overjoyed to win the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Gold Award at last year’s North East England Tourism Awards.

The awards showcase the region’s fantastic tourism industry and a record-breaking 120 organisations entered this year. The awards are organised and delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with the Northern Tourism Alliance.

Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many entries this year. The quantity and quality of the applications not only demonstrates the variety of tourism businesses and attractions across the North East, offering visitors an unforgettable experience, it’s also a testament to our thriving visitor economy.

“Tourism businesses employ more than 55,000 people across the North East with an additional 730 jobs created over the last 12 months.

“It’s always a joy to see the outstanding work the finalists have delivered and I look forward to celebrating all of their achievements with them at the awards ceremony in November.”

Fifty eight applications from tourism businesses and experiences across County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland have made the shortlist. Newcastle College joins Northumbrian Water in sponsoring the awards.

The Northern Tourism Alliance is a collaboration of the region’s tourism bodies who work together on projects that will benefit the tourism industry across the region. The founding members of the alliance are NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Northumberland Tourism, Visit County Durham, and The North East Hotels Association. The awards are also supported by Northumberland County Council, South Tyneside Council, North Tyneside Council and Sunderland City Council.