Become an Award Sponsor

The Visit York Tourism Awards 2026 will take place on 12th March 2026 at the historic York Racecourse. The Visit York Tourism Awards celebrates excellence across a diverse range of categories, recognising the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals within York’s vibrant tourism sector.

Each award category will recognise individuals and organisations who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding quality, creativity and commitment in creating unforgettable visitor experiences. From inclusive tourism and sustainable initiatives to exceptional accommodation and standout events, the awards celebrate the very best of York’s tourism sector.

We’re delighted to share that LNER is this year’s headline sponsor. Additionally, we have multiple award categories available for sponsorship opportunities.

To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact awards@makeityork.com.

We offer your choice of award category sponsorship with rewards for you to be an integral part of the Tourism Awards.

• Brand exposure on Visit York's high-profile channels.
• Supporting independent and local businesses in York.
• Securing the future of the Tourism Awards that celebrate York’s businesses.
• Networking with renowned businesses and key players.
• Complimentary tickets to the Tourism Awards ceremony*.

We have 16 award categories to choose for sponsorship. All categories are subject to availability, so the sooner you get in touch, the better chance of securing your preferred category.

The Tourism Awards are aligned with the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which are important in recognising national excellence for those winners in eligible categories - these are indicated with (VE).

• Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award (VE)
• Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year (VE)
• Regenerative Tourism Award (VE)
• Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year
• Experience of the Year (VE)
• Independent Business of the Year
• Large Hotel of the Year (VE)
• Large Visitor Attraction of the Year (VE)
• New Tourism Business Award (VE)
• Pub of the Year (VE)
• Retailer of the Year
• Small Serviced Accommodation Provider of the Year (VE)
• Small Visitor Attraction of the Year (VE)
• Taste of England Award (VE)
• The Best of York Award
• International Tourism Award (VE)

• Sponsorship for each award category is £1,500 plus VAT.
• *Two complimentary tickets for the ceremony - we’d love you to be there to celebrate with the winners and finalists!
• Opportunity to present the winner’s award on stage of your sponsored category.
• Networking opportunity at the ceremony with over 350 guests, including hoteliers, attractions, retailers as well as key players in the tourism industry in York.
• Your logo on large screens at the ceremony.
• Your logo on the large screen on stage for your category during the nomination and winner announcement.
• Inclusion in the finalists’ and winners’ press releases covered locally and regionally.
• Inclusion in Visit York’s membership communications.
• Your logo with hyperlink to your website on the Visit York Tourism Awards hub page – and promotion on visityork.org with an average 142K visitors per month.
• Inclusion in social media coverage relating to your sponsored category pre, during and post ceremony – with over 185K followers and over 25M impressions per year.
• Inclusion in Visit York’s engaged e-newsletter – to over 30K subscribers.
• Visit York Tourism Awards Sponsor logo to use in your marketing collateral.
• First in line for sponsorship for the following year’s Visit York Tourism Awards.

Upgrade to a Premium Sponsorship

• Premium Sponsorship includes everything above PLUS additional social media coverage with 3 sponsored social posts on Visit York's channels. This package is £2,000 plus VAT.

Get in touch today to secure your preferred award category, or discuss details further by emailing awards@makeityork.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please note, we will require a 50% deposit to confirm sponsorship bookings, with final payment due December 2025.