TWO dale businesses have been shortlisted in the prestigious North East Tourism Awards.
High Force Hotel is one of three venues to feature in the Small Hotel of the Year category, while Teesdale Cheesemakers has reached the finals of the Taste category.
The finals of the annual awards scheme, which is hosted by the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, will take place at Newcastle Civic Centre on Thursday, March 24.
The awards aim to showcase the North East as a world-class visitor destination.
Ian Thomas, Newcastle Gateshead Initiative destination director, said: “The tourism sector is a vitally important part of the regional economy, and the awards enable us to showcase the best of the sector.”
It is just one of a string of nominations received by Teesdale Cheesemakers at the start of the year, having also been shortlisted in this year’s Teesdale Business Awards and had a product listed in
the top 100 cheeses in England.
The company will be up against Colman’s Seafood Temple and The Feathers Inn for the coveted Taste of North East England award.
High Force Hotel will be competing against Langley Castle Hotel and Seaham Hall in its category.
Claire Jones, head of leisure and tourism for Raby Estates, which owns High Force Hotel, said: “All the team at Raby Estates are thrilled that the High Force Hotel has been shortlisted for Small Hotel of the Year in the North East Tourism Awards – it’s a testament to all the dedication, attention-to-detail and hard work Andrew, George and their team put in year-round, providing guests with the best possible experience.
“The hotel has seen significant growth in recent years, putting it on the map in the area and offering tourists a luxurious and special base to explore everything the north east has to offer.
“High Force has doubled its guest capacity, transformed its dining and restaurant areas and I’m sure its loyal guests, as well as our team, would love to see it succeed at the awards later this year.”
As reported last week, Raby Estates, which owns the hotel, has been in talks with Durham County Council about expanding its accommodation with shepherd huts, tree lodges and campervan parking.
No formal planning application has been submitted for the scheme, but there have been discussions about refurbishing the hotel’s car park and creating a new visitor centre.
