The Bupa Great North Run has been named the North East Tourism Event of the Year at the recent North East England Tourism Awards.
The annual awards ceremony took place at The Hilton, NewcastleGateshead and showcased the best that tourism has to offer in the region.
The awards, organised by Regional Development Agency One North East, rewarded the leading individuals, businesses and attractions that are contributing to the region’s thriving tourism industry, which is worth almost £4bn to the region’s economy.
Dave Newton, Managing Director of organisers Nova International said, “The Bupa Great North Run is delighted to be presented with the gold award and named the North East Tourism Event of the Year. With a record 54,000 entries this year we are the world’s biggest half marathon and generate an estimated £22 million of economic impact annually to the region”
Geoff Hodgson, chairman of the North East Tourism Advisory Board, who presented the awards said: “This year’s winners showcase the quality and diversity of tourism businesses we have in the region and are a great example of excellence.
“They will now go on to represent the North East England at the National tourism awards next year, where the region has achieved great success previously. We hope this will also be inspiration for other business to enter the awards next year and take advantage of the fantastic rewards they bring.”
The awards form the heat of the Enjoy England Awards for Excellence and winners go on to take their place in the national finals next year to compete alongside the cream of UK tourism.