TOURISM BUSINESSES URGED TO 'GO FOR GLORY'

Tourism businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire are being urged not to miss out on the chance to grab an industry “Oscar” and put themselves firmly in the spotlight.

The “go for glory” fanfare was sounded by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire tourism manager Andy Gray with the deadline for this year’s Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards - the REYTAs - fast approaching.

And with news of an exciting new venue for the awards’ gala finals night in March to be released next week, interest in the REYTAs is at an all-time high.

“There is always a tremendous buzz around the REYTAs, not least because it’s a showcase for all that’s best about Hull and East Yorkshire,” said Mr Gray. “They are regarded as the Oscars of our tourism industry and attract massive media attention.

“I would urge everyone to get their entries in as soon as possible ahead of the deadline of January 19. Previous winners tell us what a difference it makes, not only for staff morale, but for marketing themselves to a wider audience. They are a kite mark for quality.” 

Winners will also be eligible to be shortlisted through to the finals of th e national Visit England tourism awards. “It allows our local businesses to compete on a national stage and it’s testament to the quality of what’s on offer throughout Hull and East Yorkshire that we’ve enjoyed success at these awards in the past,” said Mr Gray.

There are a total of 13 categories that businesses can enter, which can be done free and online by visiting www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com/reyta In addition there will be a 14th award, made by the Visit Hull & East Yorkshire Advisory Board to the person who, in its judgement, has made a significant contribution to tourism in our region.

A shortlist of finalists in all categories will be drawn up after the closing date, all of whom will will be invited to the final on March 15 where the winners - selected by a panel of independent experts - will be announced.

The awards are free to enter and businesses or individuals can simply go on line to enter. “It’s not a case of waiting to be nominated; we are asking people to tell us what makes them or their business so special,” said Mr Gray. “We’ve continually refined the process to make it as easy and stress free as possible but we also have a team of people on the end of a telephone at VHEY able to help and give advice.

“Help is just a phone call away. It’s about making a strong case with supporting evidence wherever possible.

“All those shortlisted will be featured at our prestigious awards dinner, with individual videos spotlighting what they have to offer being shown during the evening,” he said.

Previous winners joined Mr Gray in urging people to enter the REYTAs. Michaela Clegg, landlady of the Black Horse in Little Weighton, said winning the 2016 REYTA for most remarkable pub had helped propel her business to new heights. “It has been incredible . . . when you have an extra 100 people walking through the door the day after you win asking if you have a free table, it is certainly a challenge,” she said.

While Oly White, who runs the Butt Farm Caravan and Camping site at Beverley with his wife Jen, said winning the Remarkable Newcomer REYTA in 2017 was cause for huge celebrations, coming as it did at the culmination of a fantastic first year in business.

“Winning a REYTA increased our profile overnight. It’s all about making people aware of what you have to offer and the exposure we got after the awards was fantastic. We were on Look North for instance and the next day took more bookings in one day than we had ever done before,” he said.

The full list of categories for the 2018 REYTAs are as follows:

1. REMARKABLE Hotel:  Open to hotels of any size that offer a minimum of reception, bar, dinner and breakfast to provide the best overnight stay and the highest standards of accommodation in Hull and East Yorkshire.

2. REMARKABLE Bed & Breakfast/Boutique Guest Accommodation: Open to all types of guest accommodation including, B&Bs, guesthouses, boutique accommodation, farmhouses, inns, and restaurants with rooms.

3. REMARKABLE Self Catering Provider/Property: Open to all self-catering accommodation including serviced apartments, houses, cottages, flats, lodges, tepees, yurts and shepherds huts.

4. REMARKABLE Taste of East Yorkshire: This category is open to producers, processors or growers of local food and drink products, vineyards, breweries, farms, farm shops and co-operatives. Entries must demonstrate creativity in their use or production of local produce, consistent quality in the delivery and presentation of food and how the produce is made available to customers, perhaps with a visitor experience and creative marketing.

5. REMARKABLE Cuppa: Open to any tourism business such as tearooms, café, hotel or visitor attraction, that serves the best cup of tea or coffee and refreshments in Hull and East Yorkshire.

6. REMARKABLE Restaurant: The restaurant, hotel or pub that serves the best food in Hull and East Yorkshire.

7. REMARKABLE Pub: For the best pub in Hull and East Yorkshire serving the highest quality of bar food and beverages in the finest surroundings in the region.

8. REMARKABLE Business Tourism Award:  This award acknowledges the huge importance of business visitors to the meetings, conferences and exhibitions sector in Hull and East Yorkshire. Open to any organisation in the business tourism sector including exhibition centres, convention hotels, country house properties, conference, banqueting and training venues.

9. REMARKABLE Holiday Park/Holiday Village: This award recognises Caravan and Holiday Parks, Touring Parks, and Camping and Touring Parks that have boosted business by making the most of their distinctive appeal.

10. REMARKABLE Newcomer: This award is for a newcomer to the Hull and East Yorkshire tourism industry. Individuals and tourism businesses may apply including attractions/experiences, food and drink providers and accommodation establishments that have set up between 1st January 2016 and 30th June 2017.

11. REMARKABLE Visitor Attraction/Experience: What is the best tourism attraction or experience in Hull & East Yorkshire that puts a smile on visitors’ faces and creates special memories? This award will be given to the tourism attraction/provider that delivers an outstanding and unique experience.

12. REMARKABLE Small Tourism Event (Under 30,000 visitors per year):  What is the best event, experience or festival in Hull and East Yorkshire that takes place over a day, weekend, week, month or season? The event can be free or paid for; a one-off happening or a rolling series of annual events.

13. REMARKABLE Large Tourism Event (over 30,000 visitors per year): What is the best event, experience or festival in Hull and East Yorkshire that takes place over a day, weekend, week, month or season? The event can be free or paid for; a one-off happening or a rolling series of annual events.

14. REMARKABLE East Yorkshire Passion: The person is selected by the Visit Hull and East Yorkshire Advisory Board Group who in their judgement has made a significant contribution to tourism in our region. Nominations are invited from the local tourism industry.

PHOTO ATTACHED: Jon Pywell (centre) receives the Remarkable East Yorkshire Passion Award 2017 from Cllr Stephen Brady, of Hull City Council, and Cllr Jane Evison, of East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Mr Pywell was described as “someone who has been at the forefront of developing the local area as a world class visitor destination” for his work, including leading the City of Culture Bid Team to success in 2013.