The Visit York Tourism Awards celebrate excellence across a diverse range of categories, highlighting the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals within York’s vibrant tourism sector.
Each category honours those who have demonstrated exceptional quality, innovation, and dedication to providing memorable experiences for visitors. From inclusive tourism to sustainable practices, and from the best in accommodation to extraordinary events, these awards recognize the very best that York has to offer.
Mark your calendars for 20th March 2025 as we gather at the historic York Racecourse to acknowledge and applaud the outstanding achievements of those who make York a world-class destination. This gala event promises to be an inspiring evening filled with celebration and recognition of the very best in York’s tourism and culture.
Applications have now closed, and finalists have been announced! See the details for each award below.
Tickets are now on sale! Secure your ticket to the awards now ▸
Visit York Tourism Awards - Categories
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Award sponsored by The Grand, York
Finalists
Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Castle Howard
This award recognises
tourism businesses that excel in providing an inclusive customer experience,
particularly for those with accessibility requirements.
Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Award sponsored by Yorwaste
Finalists
Celebration Holiday Homes
Griffon Forest Holiday Lodges
High Oaks Grange
Wolds Edge Holiday Lodges
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.
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available - contact awards@makeityork.com
Finalists
The Hocus Pocus Witches' Coven
National Treasures: Monet in York 'The Water-Lily Pond'
Hallowscream at York Maze
York Pride
York Proms
This award recognises
organisers of truly memorable and immersive events and
festivals for visitors to enjoy.
Experience of the Year
Award sponsored by LNER
Finalists
The Wizard Walk of York
City Cruises York
The Bloody Tour of York
This award recognises providers of truly memorable and immersive activities for visitors to participate in.
Independent Business of the Year
Award sponsored by Latimer by Clarion Housing Group
Finalists
The Wizard Walk of York
Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel
The Potions Cauldron Group
The Bloody Tour of York
For businesses directly involved in tourism, with unique selling point that might be a retail offering, theme or entertainment and with no more than 5 branches.
Large Hotel of the Year
Award sponsored by Streamline Taxis
Finalists
Middletons Hotel - part of David Thwaites
Aldwark Manor Estate
Sandburn Hall
This award recognises full service hotels providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available - contact awards@makeityork.com
Finalists
York's Chocolate Story
Castle Howard
The York Dungeon
Web Adventure Park
This award recognises large visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
New Tourism Business Award
Award sponsored by Your Creative Sauce
Finalists
The Old Liquor Store Restaurant & Bar
Ampleforth Abbey
The Riverfront York
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.
Pub of the Year
Award sponsored by Hunter Gee Holroyd
Finalists
The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub
Plonkers Wine Bar & Bistro
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.
Retailer of the Year
Award sponsored by York BID
Finalists
Avorium
York Gin
The Cat Gallery
The Potions Cauldron
This award recognises businesses that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a retail offering.
Small Accommodation Provider of the Year
Award sponsored by Booking.com
Finalists
The Pheasant Hotel
Stone House Hotel
Galtres Lodge
MonkBridge House
This award recognises small serviced accommodation businesses providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Award sponsored by Shambles Market
Finalists
Mother Shipton's Cave
Stump Cross Caverns
York Army Museum
Yorkshire Heart Vineyard
This award recognises small visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
Taste of England Award
Award sponsored by Fowlers
Finalists
The Drovers Arms Restaurant & Country Pub
The Whippet Inn
Forest
This award recognises businesses within the tourism industry that offer food, beverage and service innovation and excellence.
The Best of York Award
Award sponsored by York St John
Finalists
York's Chocolate Story
City Cruises York
The Wizard Walk of York
Mad Alice
This
award recognises the very best that York has to offer, be it a business, a
team or an individual.
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. The deadline for applications is 5pm, 20 December 2024.