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 category will honour those who demonstrate exceptional quality, innovation and dedication in providing memorable experiences for visitors. From inclusive tourism to sustainable practices, and from the best in accommodation to extraordinary events, these awards will shine a spotlight on the very best that York has to offer. Find below the details of each award category, and discover which award best fits your business.

For detail on sponsoring an award, click here. To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact awards@makeityork.com.

Visit York Tourism Awards – Categories

VYTA26 Colour

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

This award recognises tourism businesses that excel in providing an inclusive customer experience, particularly for those with accessibility requirements.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self Catering Accommodation of the Year

This award recognises self catering accommodation, holiday parks, sites and villages that provide exceptional guest experiences across properties for let, static vans, touring pitches, shepherd's huts and more.

See the sample application form here.

HAY logo 1

Regenerative Tourism Award

Award sponsored by First Bus

This award recognises tourism businesses committed to being sustainable, responsible and ethical in how they operate and interact with customers, the wider community and the environment.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year

This award recognises organisers of truly memorable and immersive events and festivals for visitors to enjoy.

See the sample application form here.

Lner2

Experience of the Year

Award sponsored by LNER

This award recognises providers of truly memorable and immersive activities for visitors to participate in.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

Independent Business of the Year

For businesses directly involved in tourism, with a unique selling point that might be a retail offering, theme or entertainment and with no more than 5 branches.

See the sample application form here.

Streamline

Large Hotel of the Year

Award sponsored by Streamline Taxis

This award recognises full service hotels providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

This award recognises large visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

New Tourism Business Award

This award recognises high performing new tourism businesses, demonstrating excellent understanding of their market, exceeding the expectations of their customers with clear plans for future development.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

Pub of the Year

This award recognises pubs that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a food and drink offering that includes quality locally sourced produce.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

Retailer of the Year

This award recognises businesses that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a retail offering.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

Small Serviced Accomodation Provider of the Year

This award recognises small serviced accommodation businesses providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year

This award recognises small visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

Taste of England Award

This award recognises businesses within the tourism industry that offer food, beverage and service innovation and excellence.

See the sample application form here.

YSJ Uni

The Best of York Award

Award sponsored by York St John University

This award recognises the very best that York has to offer, be it a business, a team or an individual.

See the sample application form here.

VYTA26 Colour

International Tourism Award

This award recognises tourism businesses providing unforgettable visitor experiences for international visitors and attention to detail in all areas of the business.

See the sample application form here.

HAY logo

Hospitality Hero Award

The ‘Hospitality Hero’ award recognises the contributions of an individual who plays an integral role within a hospitality business, and the vital part they play within their team and in welcoming guests. Nominations are welcome from Visit York and Hospitality Association York (HAY) members.