One of the region’s largest venues and one of its smallest tourism treasures were among the big winners at an awards event celebrating the best in English tourism. The Sage Gateshead music centre, Laverock Law Cottages in Northumberland and County Durham-based tour company Beiwei 55 were the three organisations which took gold awards at the prestigious Visit England Awards for Excellence. The awards, now in their 29th year, celebrate businesses and individuals that continuously raise the bar of England’s tourism offer. A total of 54 awards were up for grabs in 18 categories, ranging from boutique guest accommodation of the year to large visitor attraction of the year. Now winners of the gold, silver and bronze awards in each category have been announced at an awards ceremony held at the Bath Assembly Rooms. The region’s premier music venue The Sage Gateshead – which has become one of the country’s top conference venues – took the gold award for business tourism. In 2016/17 conferences and events at the Sage generated £6.7m of economic impact to the region from conference delegates. Awards judges said: “The famous Geordie welcome is apparent from all staff and the Sage really is a place that they and the country should be proud of. It is a cultural destination that puts Gateshead , the North East and England firmly on the business tourism map.” Abigail Pogson, managing director at Sage Gateshead said: “We are so proud to be recognised at the highest, national level for our commitment… [Read full story]
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