Visit York Tourism Awards 2026 Celebrate Excellence Across York’s Visitor Economy

The Visit York Tourism Awards 2026, sponsored by LNER and organised by Make It York, returned on 12 March with a prestigious ceremony at York Racecourse, celebrating the very best of the city’s thriving visitor economy.

Now in their 28th year, the awards recognise outstanding achievement across 17 categories spanning tourism, hospitality and culture. Delivered as part of Visit York’s ongoing work to champion the city and support its tourism sector, the event brought together businesses and individuals who continue to raise standards and deliver exceptional visitor experiences.

The evening, hosted by YO1 Radio presenters Claire Pulpher and Nick Hancock, showcased the strength and diversity of York’s tourism offer. From accommodation and attractions to retail, events and food and drink, winners demonstrated innovation, quality and a commitment to excellence in welcoming the city’s 9.4 million visitors.

This year introduced new categories including the Regenerative Tourism Award and the International Tourism Award, reflecting the sector’s evolving priorities and York’s growing global appeal. The awards also marked a milestone moment, with joint winners announced for the Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year category – recognising both Christmas at Castle Howard and York Proms for their exceptional cultural impact.

A total of 12 category winners will now go on to represent York at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026, providing an opportunity to showcase the city’s world-class offer on a national stage. The evening also celebrated individual achievement through the Hospitality Hero Award, recognising the vital role of staff within York’s hospitality businesses.

The full list of winners highlights the breadth of excellence across the sector, with multiple businesses receiving recognition, including Highly Commended accolades across closely contested categories. Members and stakeholders are encouraged to explore and share the winners’ itinerary, showcasing the outstanding experiences available across the city.

By celebrating success and recognising innovation, the Visit York Tourism Awards continue to play a vital role in strengthening York’s visitor economy. The awards not only highlight the exceptional quality of the city’s tourism offer but also support businesses in reaching new audiences, enhancing York’s reputation as a dynamic, welcoming and world-class destination.

Discover more about the Visit York Tourism Awards ▸