Shortlist of the North East's best places to visit, stay, taste and experience revealed

The businesses competing in the 2026 Destination North East England Tourism Awards have been announced, after hundreds of entries were whittled down.

The Destination North East England Tourism Awards have been celebrating the best visitor economy businesses in the area for over two decades, with the region's finest places to visit, taste, stay and experience entering in their droves for a spot on the prestigious 2026 shortlist.

Organised in association with the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, the finalists on the shortlist will now be subject to a rigorous second round of judging by independent experts, who will either make pre-arranged or secret 'mystery shopper' visits to the businesses between now and December.

The region's awards have so far received the highest number of entries out of all the official tourism awards in England, with more than 150 businesses applying before entries closed in early September. 

Finalists will compete across 18 diverse categories, with the three new categories introduced for the 2024-25 awards returning - Volunteer of the Year, Rising Star and Tourism Festival or Event. They join the list of core categories, which includes awards for amazing accommodation, culinary creativity, responsible regenerative practices and gongs for unforgettable attractions and experiences. The region has once again shown its commitment to becoming a welcoming and inclusive destination for all, with a high number of entries into the Accessibility and Inclusivity category.

Winners in the core categories will then have the chance to compete nationally at the VisitEngland Awards in June 2026.

Visitors and locals will once again be invited to have their say too, as the winner of the Tourism Festival or Event category will be decided by an online public vote, which will open in early 2026.

As has been the case in previous years, a special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism accolade will be presented to a mystery individual or group who has made a lasting impact on the area and the industry. Previous recipients include TV stars Robson Green and Brenda Blethyn, and industry stalwart Susan Justice, who was surprised on the night last year with the award recognising her unwavering commitment to her Bidfood hospitality clients.

Businesses will have to wait until the Spring to find out if they'll be taking home Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended at a glitzy ceremony. Whilst organisers are remaining tight lipped on the exact details of the 2026 event, movers and shakers from across the region invited to celebrate the North East's visitor economy, which is now worth over £6.6 billion to the region.  Tickets for the ceremony will go on sale shortly at www.destinationnortheastengland.co.uk.

North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness said:

"It is so important to celebrate this industry and the people in it. Tourism is vital for our regional economy, and that's why I'm investing in building capacity in the cultural sectors so they have the skills and resources to thrive.

"We want to double the size of our visitor industry, and by getting this right, and shining a light on the organisations that amplify our rich heritage, we can boost our local economy. That means local and rural jobs and opportunities for people from coastlines to countryside right across the North East.

"The people shortlisted should be proud of the part they are playing for the region - they are our biggest champions - and those who win will have the chance to showcase why this is the best region in England, at the national awards."

Congratulating the shortlisted businesses, Chair of Destination North East England John Marshall said:

"The diverse array of businesses shortlisted in this year's Tourism Awards is a testament to the incredible visitor offer we have in the region. Our awards champion and celebrate the hard-working people and places in all corners of North East England that deliver truly magical experiences for our visitors. As we look to double the value of our visitor economy over the next 10 years, it is these amazing places to visit, stay and experience that will be at the forefront of this transformation.

"On behalf of everyone at Destination North East England, may I wish each shortlisted business the best of luck. We look forward to celebrating your achievements at the grand finale."

Destination North East England is led by NewcastleGateshead Initiative on behalf of the region, working with delivery partners Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham and in partnership with all seven local authorities and the North East Combined Authority to unlock the growth potential of the visitor economy.