Record-breaking tourism figures and record-breaking awards dinner
Mon 12th March 2018
Latest figures released by regional tourism body Visit Hull and East Yorkshire show new records were set during 2017, with more visitors than ever visiting the area. They contributed to the industry being worth a massive £837 million annually to the local economy; supporting 18,257 jobs.
And more records are being set this Thursday (March 15) when 550 people attend the presentation of the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (the REYTAs) at the new DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Hull. A glittering occasion, the awards dinner will be shining the spotlight on one of Hull and East Yorkshire’s most important industries.
“This will be a truly memorable occasion,” said Andy Gray, VHEY’s tourism manager. “We’re delighted to be back in Hull and delighted to report a record number of entries from Hull businesses as well.
“The biggest positive for us, however, is the REYTAs are reaching all corners of Hull and East Yorkshire; the awards, now in their ninth year, continue to grow and people are engaging with the process.”
Mr Gray continued: “The quality of the tourism offer across Hull and East Yorkshire co ntinues to improve and plays a vital role in attracting visitors to the area; while the quality of the awards’ entries never fails to amaze me.”
After a drinks reception, guests can look forward to a sumptuous three-course meal; followed by the presentation of awards in 14 categories plus entertainment from one the country’s top party bands, The Tzars, making a rare headline appearance in their home town.
The awards will be hosted by Phil White, of Radio Humberside, assisted by Kofi Smiles, for many the “face” of Hull City of Culture, who reported all year on City of Culture events for the BBC.
Winners of this year’s REYTAs will also be eligible to be considered for the 2019 VisitEngland awards for excellence.
Councillor Terry Geraghty, portfolio holder for leisure and tourism at Hull City Council, said: “The REYTA awards continue to be a great opportunity to celebrate the vibrant and booming tourism offer in the region.
“We have had an amazing year as UK City of Culture with tourism figures reaching new records as the popularity of the region continues to grow. I would like to wish all of the nominees luck for the evening, they’re all fantastic examples of what our city and region has to offer.”
And Councillor Richard Burton, cabinet portfolio holder for leisure, tourism and culture at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards are a celebration of all that is good about the industry locally and recognises the hard work, talent and dedication of those who work in this important industry.
“Now in its ninth year, the REYTAs is one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the calendar and is keenly contested each year across 14 categories. I’d like to congratulate all those finalists who have been shortlisted for this year's event on their stunning achievement.”
REMARKABLE EAST YORKSHIRE TOURISM AWARDS FINALISTS 2018
Remarkable Bed & Breakfast/Boutique Guest Accommodation
The Toll Cottage, Cottingham
Wolds Village, Bainton
Highfield Farm B&B, Southburn, near Driffield
Remarkable Business Tourism Award:
Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, Willerby
KCom Stadium, Hull
Hallmark Hotel, Hull
Beverley Racecourse
Bridlington Spa
Bishop Burton College
Beyond Events, University of Hull
Remarkable Cuppa
Kavanaghs Cafe & Tea Rooms, Beverley
Riverhouse Coffee Co., Hull
T C Patisserie, Beverley
Lempicka Cafe, Beverley
Wolds Village, Bainton
Drewton’s Farm Shop & Restaurant, South Cave
Remarkable Holiday Park/Holiday Village
Thorpe Hall Caravan & Camping Site, Rudston
Sand le Mere Holiday Village, Tunstall
Patrington Haven Leisure Park
Far Grange Park & Golf Club, Skipsea
Butt Farm Caravan & Campsite, Beverley
Remarkable Hotel
Hallmark Hotel, Hull
Village Hotel, Hull
Cave Castle Hotel & Country Club, South Cave
Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel, Willerby
Holiday Inn, Hull Marina
Remarkable Newcomer
William’s Den, North Cave
Humber Street Distillery, Hull
The Pig & Whistle, Beverley
Hull Explorer
Hideout Hotel, Hull
The Cow Shed @ Fraisthorpe Beach
Remarkable Pub
Minerva Hotel, Hull
The Head of Steam, Hull
The Old House by Shoot The Bull, Hull
The Old Star, Kilham
Wrygarth Inn, Great Hatfield
The Lion and Key, Hull
Remarkable Restaurant
Tapasya, Hull
Tapasya@Marina, Hull
The Pig & Whistle, Beverley
1884 Wine & Tapas Bar, Hull
The Old House by Shoot The Bull, Hull
1884 Dock Street Kitchen, Hull
Remarkable Self-Catering Provider/Property
Nordham Cottages, North Cave
Broadgate Farm Cottages, Walkington
The Swallow’s Nest, Brandesburton
Kingfisher Lakes Glamping, Brandesburton
Corporation Farm Cottages, Tickton
Little Otchan Shepherd’s Hut, Halsham
Remarkable Taste of East Yorkshire
White Rabbit Chocolatiers, Beverley
Field & Forage, Thornholme
Drewton’s Farm Shop & Restaurant, South Cave
Side Oven Bakery, Foston on the Wolds
Atom Brewing, Hull
Mr Moo’s Real Dairy Ice-Cream, Skipsea
Laurel Vines Vineyard and Winery, Aike
Remarkable Tourism Event (over 30,000 visitors a year)
Humber Street Sesh, Hull
Freedom Festival, Hull
Beverley Food Festival
Remarkable Tourism Event (under 30,000 visitors a year)
The Big Malarkey, Hull
Hull Street Food Nights
Burton Agnes Jazz & Blues Festival
Beverley & East Riding Early Music Festival
Lambing Sunday, Bishop Burton College
Remarkable Visitor Attraction/Experience
Hull New Theatre
Hull Truck Theatre
Spurn National Nature Reserve
Hull Minster
Burton Constable Hall
Bridlington Birds of Prey and Animal Park
Humber Street Gallery, Hull
In addition, a 14th award, the Remarkable East Yorkshire Passion Award, being given on the night to the person considered to have made a significant contribution to tourism in the region.
