Centre shortlisted for top tourism accolade
Staff and volunteers at WWT Washington Wetland Centre are thrilled to announce that we've reached the finals of the North East England Tourism Awards for the third year in a row.
Our centre has been shortlisted in the Best Small Visitor Attraction category, which we were ecstatic to win last year and then went on to be Highly Commended by the judges at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence national finals.
Acting centre manager Gill Pipes said: “We are delighted to be nominated again in the North East England Tourism Awards.
“We’re very proud of both our site and of the North East in general, so to be shortlisted against the tough competition in the area is amazing.
“We give visitors a warm welcome, a great day out and the chance to witness conservation in action in a unique setting.
“Our current offer includes the chance to see our 25 hand-reared Chilean flamingos (a species under threat in the wild) and it is a truly amazing sight to watch them all in their crèche. They will be a great addition to our main flock when they are introduced in spring 2014.”
The annual tourism awards have seen a 34% increase in applications since delivery of the event was taken over by NewcastleGateshead Initiative in 2012.
Almost 100 businesses submitted applications this year compared to 73 in 2012, with 51 making the shortlist.
Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination management and marketing organization NewcastleGateshead Initiative, added: “This year’s Tourism Awards are set to be bigger and better. It’s fantastic to see that since last year’s successful awards ceremony at Sage Gateshead even more tourism business have entered in 2013.
“Taking on the project has been incredibly rewarding. The North East England Tourism Awards are an important platform. They create a spotlight for the industry to shine and give businesses the opportunity to celebrate their innovation, quality and performance. The region has a lot to offer visitors and the awards celebrate this diversity.”
The Awards ceremony is delivered in partnership with Sodexo Prestige and Hi-Lights. It will take place on 21 November at St James’ Park to celebrate the achievements of the tourism industry and will again be hosted by BBC Look North Presenter, Carol Malia.
Winners at the event will also have the chance to compete on a national stage against winners from England’s other regions at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2014.
For more information about the North East England Tourism Awards please visit www.NorthEastTourismAwards.com
