2023 Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards Launched

The awards that reward East Yorkshire's best, brightest, most successful, and innovative tourism businesses have returned for 2023.

The 2023 Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards, the REYTAs, organised by tourism body Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY), are officially launched today (Friday 30 June), culminating in an awards ceremony on 9 November 2023.

Now in their 13th year, the REYTAs, are held in association with the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024 and eligible regional winners will be automatically put forward for judging in the national awards.

Councilor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:

“It is fantastic to hear that the REYTAs will return once again in 2023.

“These awards hold great significance for Hull and East Yorkshire, as they highlight the exceptional businesses and individuals who go above and beyond to promote our region's fantastic visitor economy.

“This prestigious event not only recognises the hard work and commitment of our tourism industry but also serves as a catalyst for further success.

“It is through events like these that we showcase Hull and East Yorkshire’s unique charm that help elevate our region as a world class visitor destination.”

To mark the tie-in with the country’s national tourist board, the 2023 REYTAs carries 16 categories in total, including one bestowed by Visit Hull & East Yorkshire to honouring an individual who has made a significant contribution to tourism in the region.

The REYTAs honour the very best, from major visitor attractions and events to hotels and accommodation providers, restaurants, pubs, cafes, food retailers and producers.

The REYTAs are open to all tourism businesses in Hull and East Yorkshire, large and small.

Entry is free and easy to complete and can be done online, from today, by visiting www.reytas.co.uk

Entries must be in by midnight on Wednesday August 30th, 2023, after which a shortlist of finalists will be drawn up.

Judging will then take place via independent panels and mystery shopping, ahead of a glittering awards ceremony, which this year takes place at the Doubletree by Hilton Hull on Thursday, 9 November 2023.

The awards are launched at an exciting time for the regions tourism sector with Visit Hull and East Yorkshire recently gaining Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) status as part of a new national programme aimed at transforming and growing the visitor economy across England in an inclusive, accessible, and sustainable way.

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of Hull City Council said:

“Hull and East Yorkshire continues to establish 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.

“Becoming one of the first destinations in England to gain LVEP status by Visit England is a testament to the long-standing collaboration and growth of this sector over the years and long may that continue.

“The REYTA’s is a remarkable event to celebrate a remarkable industry which contributes over £963 million annually to the Hull and East Yorkshire economy and provides employment for over 21,000 people.

“The awards showcase the very best that Hull and East Yorkshire have to offer.

“The event provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses to showcase why they are so important for our region. It’s also a brilliant opportunity for our hard-working, innovative and inspiring businesses to pause and celebrate what they have achieved.”

The full list of categories for the 2023 REYTAs are:

• Remarkable B&B and Guest House of the Year - recognises bed & breakfast and guest house businesses that provide a fabulous service and create great memories for their guests.
• Remarkable Business Events Venue of the Year - recognises business events venues that demonstrate an excellent understanding of the market, exceed the expectations of their clients and have a strategic plan for future development, with clear goals
• Remarkable Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park - large or small sites that provide exceptional guest experiences across static vans, touring pitches, shepherd’s huts and more.
• Remarkable Cuppa - recognises businesses within the tourism industry that offer outstanding cuisine, innovative service and excellence throughout the entire operation.
• Remarkable Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award - recognises tourism businesses who are truly committed to being sustainable, responsible and ethical in how they operate and interact with customers, the wider community and the environment.
• Remarkable Experience of the Year - recognises providers of memorable and immersive activities for visitors to participate in, from cooking masterclasses to woodland nature tours
• Remarkable Hotel of the Year - recognises hotels and serviced accommodation businesses that provide exemplary service, a top-quality food offering and a stay that guests will remember for years to come.
• Remarkable Local Producer Award - recognises excellent local food producers, providing top quality produce to the local area and beyond.
• Remarkable New Tourism Business Award - recognises high performing new tourism businesses demonstrating excellent understanding of their market, exceeding the expectations of their customers with clear plans for future development.
• Remarkable Pub of the Year - pubs that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a food and drink offering that includes quality locally sourced produce.
• Remarkable Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award - recognises tourism businesses that excel in providing an inclusive customer experience, particularly for those with accessibility requirements.
• Remarkable Restaurant - recognises businesses within the tourism industry that offer outstanding cuisine, innovative service and excellence throughout their entire operation.
• Remarkable Self Catering: Accommodation of the Year - businesses that provide the highest quality holidays and help to create fabulous memories for all their guests, from romantic hideaways to family-friendly breaks.
• Remarkable Tourism Event - the best event or festival in Hull and East Yorkshire, providing a truly memorable experience to visitors to the area.
• Remarkable Visitor Attraction of the Year - businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrate excellence across every aspect of the business.
• Remarkable East Yorkshire Passion Award – an individual selected by Visit Hull & East Yorkshire who, in their judgement, has made a significant contribution to tourism in our region. Nominations are invited from the local tourism industry.