Prestigious awards shortlisting for Go North East’s accessibility and inclusive tourism

The region’s largest bus company, Go North East, has been shortlisted at the North East Tourism Awards, recognising the bus operator’s commitment to providing memorable visitor experiences for everyone, particularly those with accessibility requirements.

The award-winning bus company will be striving for gold at the awards ceremony in the Accessibility and Inclusive Tourism category, and will be going head-to-head with Sage Gateshead, South Tynedale Railway and The Joiners Arms.

The winners will be announced on Tuesday 24 March 2020 at Newcastle Civic Centre, with the ceremony hosted by stand-up comedian and Strictly Come Dancing star Chris Ramsey.

There are also a number of local restaurants, pubs and other attractions shortlisted across multiple categories.

The awards play a key role in highlighting the importance of tourism in the region, which continues to be the fourth largest sector in the North East economy.

Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Having launched the new look Tourism Awards for 2020, it’s great to see the number and quality of applications that we have received. The refreshed format aligns the Awards more closely with the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence and gives a wider range of businesses a chance to be successful thanks to the new categories.”

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director at Go North East, added: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted at the North East Tourism awards again, and to be recognised as a company that goes above and beyond in providing memorable experiences for our customers.

“Tourism is really important for our regional economy. Our extensive network of local bus services connect many visitor attractions making them even more accessible in a way that also helps reduce congestion and improve air quality.

“This year we also started our Toon Tour open top service which includes feeder links into our buses to other sightseeing and visitor attractions across Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Northumberland.

“We’re really looking forward to the awards ceremony in March and we wish everyone involved the best of luck.”

To find out more about Go North East, visit gonortheast.co.uk.