Gateshead leaders praise local winners of tourism awards
Council leaders have congratulated businesses across Gateshead which were among those singled out at the North East tourism awards last night.
The 2025 Destination North East England Tourism Awards ceremony, delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), plays a key role in celebrating and showcasing the range of quality tourism businesses that visitors to the North East experience. The awards are the culmination of a week-long focus on the tourism sector as part of English Tourism Week, a national initiative which aims to shines a light on this important sector and its impact on an area's economy.
The year's special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award was handed to Susan Justice, Head of Business Development, North East at Bidfood, food and drink wholesalers, based near Felling.
She was awarded this accolade at the ceremony held at Newcastle's Civic Centre, for her dedication and commitment to raising the profile of the food and drink sector in the region. With a career spanning more than 40 years in hospitality Susan has supported mentoring and career development in the industry, working with chefs, restaurants and hotels in ensuring the best quality produce and service is provided.
This is the third year the Outstanding Contribution Award has been presented with previous winners including Robson Green and Ann Cleeves, author of Vera.
Susan said:
"What a night, both from a personal perspective as well from a sector point of view. It was an honour to receive an award alongside such esteemed company. Bidfood is proud to support the visitor economy in this truly special part of the world. Not only as a sponsor of the Tourism Awards, but day in, day out, as we work alongside all the incredible businesses we supply and partner with. From the fantastic producers to the innovative restaurants, cafes, eateries and attractions, who all play a part in the region's culinary story. Our congratulations to all the winners and finalists. What another amazing year in tourism for the region."
Other winners from Gateshead included the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, which took silver in two awards - Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award and Business Events Venue of the Year. It was also highly commended for the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award.
Newcastle City Guides, whose tours include the Gateshead side of the Quayside and the Millennium Bridge, took the silver award for Volunteer of the Year, while Triple A Food Tours, which cover places like Six at the Baltic, was highly commended in the Experience of the Year category.
Tanfield Railway, which is located on the border between Gateshead and Durham, was also high commended in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category.
Commending the night's winners, Councillor Leigh Kirton, Gateshead Council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications, said:
"Huge congratulations to all the winners at this year's awards, and it is particularly pleasing to see so many Gateshead winners and participants too. And congratulations especially to Susan.
"Our key priority as a council is to grow the local economy as this will lead to better outcomes for our residents and communities in terms of shared prosperity. Increasing the visitor economy plays a key part in this and we fully support efforts to achieve this, whether that's increasing destinations and experiences for our residents or doubling visitor numbers to our town and borough. Gateshead has a wealth of experiences to offer, and being part of this North East push will without doubt create more jobs locally, support people at all levels to develop skills, embrace net zero sustainability and provide greater experiences for everyone, by being an exemplar in terms of accessibility and inclusivity.
"There are so many inspiring businesses and individuals who ensure Gateshead gives visitors a warm welcome and special experiences, and last night's awards prove this is the case with such worthy winners."
Over the past 20 years the visitor economy in the North East has doubled, with further targets now set of doubling it again over the next decade.
Three years ago, the North East was announced as the pilot area for the new structure of national tourism bodies. The visitor economy is now a key priority for the North East Combined Authority to deliver on. Further investment will be enabled through working with the private sector.
Chair of Destination North East England John Marshall said: "Every year these awards are a joy to be part of, offering us a moment to take time to recognise the fantastic businesses and individuals who contribute to our visitor economy. The introduction of the three new awards was a way of shining a light on even more incredible organisations, events and people who add to the visitor offer. The region's tourism sector is moving into a new era with ambitious targets and stronger partnerships aiming to deliver on the region's potential. Well done to everyone who received awards tonight."
A full list of all winners can be found here.
Council leaders have congratulated businesses across Gateshead which were among those singled out at the North East tourism awards last night.
The 2025 Destination North East England Tourism Awards ceremony, delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), plays a key role in celebrating and showcasing the range of quality tourism businesses that visitors to the North East experience. The awards are the culmination of a week-long focus on the tourism sector as part of English Tourism Week, a national initiative which aims to shines a light on this important sector and its impact on an area's economy.
The year's special Outstanding Contribution to Tourism award was handed to Susan Justice, Head of Business Development, North East at Bidfood, food and drink wholesalers, based near Felling.
She was awarded this accolade at the ceremony held at Newcastle's Civic Centre, for her dedication and commitment to raising the profile of the food and drink sector in the region. With a career spanning more than 40 years in hospitality Susan has supported mentoring and career development in the industry, working with chefs, restaurants and hotels in ensuring the best quality produce and service is provided.
This is the third year the Outstanding Contribution Award has been presented with previous winners including Robson Green and Ann Cleeves, author of Vera.
Susan said:
"What a night, both from a personal perspective as well from a sector point of view. It was an honour to receive an award alongside such esteemed company. Bidfood is proud to support the visitor economy in this truly special part of the world. Not only as a sponsor of the Tourism Awards, but day in, day out, as we work alongside all the incredible businesses we supply and partner with. From the fantastic producers to the innovative restaurants, cafes, eateries and attractions, who all play a part in the region's culinary story. Our congratulations to all the winners and finalists. What another amazing year in tourism for the region."
Other winners from Gateshead included the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, which took silver in two awards - Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award and Business Events Venue of the Year. It was also highly commended for the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award.
Newcastle City Guides, whose tours include the Gateshead side of the Quayside and the Millennium Bridge, took the silver award for Volunteer of the Year, while Triple A Food Tours, which cover places like Six at the Baltic, was highly commended in the Experience of the Year category.
Tanfield Railway, which is located on the border between Gateshead and Durham, was also high commended in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category.
Commending the night's winners, Councillor Leigh Kirton, Gateshead Council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Communications, said:
"Huge congratulations to all the winners at this year's awards, and it is particularly pleasing to see so many Gateshead winners and participants too. And congratulations especially to Susan.
"Our key priority as a council is to grow the local economy as this will lead to better outcomes for our residents and communities in terms of shared prosperity. Increasing the visitor economy plays a key part in this and we fully support efforts to achieve this, whether that's increasing destinations and experiences for our residents or doubling visitor numbers to our town and borough. Gateshead has a wealth of experiences to offer, and being part of this North East push will without doubt create more jobs locally, support people at all levels to develop skills, embrace net zero sustainability and provide greater experiences for everyone, by being an exemplar in terms of accessibility and inclusivity.
"There are so many inspiring businesses and individuals who ensure Gateshead gives visitors a warm welcome and special experiences, and last night's awards prove this is the case with such worthy winners."
Over the past 20 years the visitor economy in the North East has doubled, with further targets now set of doubling it again over the next decade.
Three years ago, the North East was announced as the pilot area for the new structure of national tourism bodies. The visitor economy is now a key priority for the North East Combined Authority to deliver on. Further investment will be enabled through working with the private sector.
Chair of Destination North East England John Marshall said: "Every year these awards are a joy to be part of, offering us a moment to take time to recognise the fantastic businesses and individuals who contribute to our visitor economy. The introduction of the three new awards was a way of shining a light on even more incredible organisations, events and people who add to the visitor offer. The region's tourism sector is moving into a new era with ambitious targets and stronger partnerships aiming to deliver on the region's potential. Well done to everyone who received awards tonight."
A full list of all winners can be found here.
