Businesses along coast shine in prestigious awards

A Bridlington pleasure cruiser is the recipient of a late birthday present after she was "highly commended" during a prestigious awards ceremony.
The Yorkshire Belle and owner Peter Richardson.The Yorkshire Belle and owner Peter Richardson.
The Yorkshire Belle and owner Peter Richardson.

The Yorkshire Belle, which is this year celebrating its 70th anniversary, was highly commended in the Remarkable Visitor Attraction / Experience category at last night's REYTA awards.

The iconic vessel was pipped to the post by Burton Constable Hall, in Sproatley, as business owners descended on Bridlington Spa for a glittering ceremony.

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Judges said: "Now in its 70th year, this family-run business takes visitors on sight - seeing trips along the dramatic Bridlington coastline to view the unique wildlife to be found there. Tripadvisor reviews record a uniquely singular and superb visitor experience.”

Wold Cottage, at Wold Newton, took home the award for the Remarkable Bed & Breakfast category, which judges said "set a benchmark for luxury with a brilliant breakfast showcasing the lovely local food of East Yorkshire".

And High Barn Cottages, at Bempton, was winnder of the Remarkable Self Catering Provider / Property category.

Judges said the family-run business offers: "Truly stunning luxury cottages which offer complete peace and privacy near the coast, yet close to all the attractions. Sustainability is a byword for the owners and they have achieved the first Gold Award for green tourism in East Yorkshire as well as three REYTAs in previous years and a White Rose Award.”

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For the Remarkable Conference and Meeting Venue category, first place went to Bishop Burton College.

Judges added: "A new entrant to this category who, the mystery shopper found, offers the whole package and were totally professional from the first point of contact to the handshake at the point of departure and outstanding in between.”

More than 500 people attended Hull and East Yorkshire's own 'tourism Oscars' on Thursday evening (March 30).

Andy Gray, VHEY’s tourism manager, said it was "a remarkable event to celebrate a remarkable industry which contributes over £797 million annually to the Hull and East Yorkshire economy and provides employment for over 17,000 people".

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He told the audience: "We are also tonight celebrating ten years of VHEY, a unique partnership between Hull City and the East Riding of Yorkshire councils working with you, the private sector, to promote and develop tourism.

"You will have seen some of the exciting projects we are proud to have delivered and supported, our challenge now is increase the visitor spend from £797 million in 2016 to £1 billion annually. We are putting some new plans in place – watch this space, there are exciting times are ahead.”

There were 75 finalists competing in last night's categories, which recognise the best individuals, attractions and hospitality businesses in the area's tourism industry.

And in addition to the awards presented, the REYTAs are now also aligned to the Visit England awards, giving winners the chance of national honours.

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Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for economic investment and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "The Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs) celebrate the very best of what this important local industry has to offer and recognises the quality of businesses and individuals involved.

"Now in their eighth year, the REYTAs are one of the most eagerly-anticipated awards ceremonies on the tourism calendar and I would like to thank all those who entered the 2017 awards, commend those shortlisted in each of the 15 categories and congratulate the winners."

The full list of winners and highly commended businesses

• Remarkable Newcomer – Butt Farm Caravan & Campsite, Beverley

• Remarkable Bed & Breakfast – The Wold Cottage, Wold Newton

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• Remarkable Holiday Park / Holiday Village – Patrington Haven Leisure Park

• Remarkable Family Friendly Experience – Wrygarth Inn, Great Hatfield

• Remarkable Taste Of East Yorkshire – The Yorkshire Wagyu Company, Tibthorpe

Remarkable Visitor Attraction / Experience – Burton Constable Hall,

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Sproatley HIGHLY COMMENDED – The Yorkshire Belle, Bridlington

• Remarkable Hull & East Yorkshire Passion For Arts and Culture – Rick Welton

• Remarkable Self Catering Provider / Property – High Barn Cottages,

Bempton HIGHLY COMMENDED – Broadgate Farm Cottages, Walkington

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• Remarkable Small Tourism Event – Rod Stewart at the KCOM Stadium, Hull

• Remarkable Cuppa/Afternoon Tea - Tickton Grange Country House Hotel

• Remarkable Conference and Meeting Venue – Bishop Burton College

Remarkable Hotel of The Year – Hallmark Hotel, North Ferriby

HIGHLY COMMENDED – The Lowther Hotel, Goole

• Remarkable Pub – The Lion and Key, Hull

• Remarkable Restaurant – The Westwood Restaurant, Beverley

• Remarkable Large Tourism Event - Made In Hull

• Remarkable East Yorkshire Passion Award – Jon Pywell