2017 Hull and East Yorkshire tourism awards, the REYTAs

Tourism bosses in Hull and East Yorkshire are gearing themselves up for a bumper entry in the 2017 REYTAs, with entries already significantly up on the same period last year.

Organised by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards, now in their eighth year, were launched in early November, with two new categories added this time in addition to those always hotly contested, such as best restaurant, best teashop and the trophy for the best tourist attraction or experience in the region.

Holders of REYTAs have spoken about how winning has given a significant boost to their businesses.

Anthony Clappison, of the Folly Lake Cafe, winners of the Remarkable Cuppa award, said winning a REYTA was “worth its weight in gold”.

Located in the picturesque setting of the Risby Fishing Ponds, near Walkington, Mr Clappison said Folly Lake Cafe was often described as East Yorkshire’s best-kept secret, but winning the accolade had suddenly put them on the map.

“The publicity we received led to an amazing response and gave us access to a much wider audience,” he said. “I must admit to being a bit sceptical when I entered but having done it, it’s amazing. I would certainly encourage other businesses to have a go - it’s free publicity and can lead to further recognition. Winning is also a great morale booster for staff.”

But he cautioned: “The REYTAs effect is not to be under-estimated. It gave us a huge boost and I would say to anyone entering, be prepared - you’ll get an influx of people. It almost caught us on the hop in terms of ensuring we had enough staff to cope with the rush.”

The REYTAs are open to all tourism businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire, large and small, and is free to enter by visiting www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com/reyta and then following the links to fill in a simple entry form.

Shortlisting in each category will take place shortly after the closing date via independent panels and mystery shopping.

The closing date is January 27, 2017, ahead of the finals night on March 30, 2017.

New categories unveiled this time include the Remarkable Family Friendly Experience, which is open to to any food service, accommodation provider or visitor attraction that specialises in serving the family market, and the Remarkable Hull and East Yorkshire Passion Award for Arts and Culture.

Andy Gray, tourism manager for VHEY, said the REYTAs provide an opportunity for tourism businesses to have their investment, hard work and commitment recognised and rewarded.

“The REYTAs are a showcase for all that best about tourism in Hull & East Yorkshire and can raise the profile of a business significantly. Winning a REYTA will also allow a business the opportunity to progress through to the Visit England National Awards as well,” he said.

Meanwhile Anthony Yates,  VHEY’s Visitor Economy Manager, described the awards as “a remarkable event celebrating a remarkable industry which contributes more than £797 million annually to the local economy and provides employment for over 17,000 people.”

He said: “The REYTAs were created to recognise and reward both quality and achievement and provide an opportunity to showcase all that is remarkable in Hull and East Yorkshire. Over the eight years the awards have been running the bar has definitely been raised, which can only be a good thing for Hull and East Yorkshire as we strive to compete in a very competitive market place.

“We have more than 1,800 businesses who operate within the visitor economy in Hull and East Yorkshire and we know from past experience just how valuable and important winning a REYTA can be to their future success.”

He said the REYTAs continued to grow in significance year on year with each year setting a record for entries. “Our winners are magnificent torch bearers for all that’s good about Hull and East Yorkshire and will be readily identifiable with the area.

“Hull and East Yorkshire is proving itself to be one of the top choices for visitors from outside our region as well as  offering fantastic choices for local people to enjoy all year round.”