Tourism stars from across Hull and East Yorkshire took centre stage as the winners of the 15th annual Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs) were revealed at a glittering ceremony at Connexin Live.
Hosted by Hull-born comedian Amy Gledhill, the milestone event celebrated the remarkable people, places and experiences that make the region one of the UK’s most welcoming and inspiring visitor destinations.
The REYTAs, organised by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY), recognise excellence across every corner of the visitor economy – from hotels, attractions and restaurants to producers, events and experiences.
Among this year’s standout successes was a double win for Doubletree by Hilton Hull, which took home both the Remarkable Business Events Venue of the Year and Remarkable Large Hotel of the Year awards – a fitting “double for Doubletree”. The achievement cemented the hotel’s reputation as one of the region’s leading venues for conferences, events and luxury stays.
There was also cause for celebration for WILD Organic Eatery, in Beverley, which triumphed in the Remarkable New Tourism Business of the Year category – an impressive feat for a first-time entrant to the awards.
Meanwhile, Luke’s Bakery in Brough, another new business entering the REYTAs for only the second time, rose to the top to win the Remarkable Local Producer Award, reflecting the growing strength of East Yorkshire’s artisan food and drink scene.
The first-ever Remarkable Dog Welcome Award went to Walking the Wolds in Driffield – a business that champions dog-friendly adventures across the East Yorkshire and Yorkshire Wolds countryside.
Winners from eligible categories at the REYTAs will now be put forward for judging at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, where they will represent Hull and East Yorkshire on the national stage.
Dumble Farm, near Beverley, was crowned ‘Gold’ winner for Experience of the Year at the national awards in June after winning Remarkable Experience of the Year at the 2024 REYTAs for its unique ‘cow cuddling’ sessions.
This year’s winner of the Remarkable Experience of the Year was Goat Yoga at Ings Park Alpacas, North Cave.
Chris Blacksell, Chair of VHEY, said: “The REYTAs continue to grow in stature every year, and this 15th anniversary event has been our most spectacular yet.
“These awards celebrate the businesses and individuals who go above and beyond to make Hull and East Yorkshire a truly remarkable destination. From first-time entrants to long-established names, the quality and innovation we’ve seen this year is outstanding.
“With Hull recently named by National Geographic as one of the top 25 destinations in the world to visit in 2026, the timing couldn’t be better to showcase the incredible people and places that make our visitor economy thrive.”
VHEY is the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for the region, nationally accredited by VisitEngland and supported by Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Its mission is to connect, support and promote the visitor economy, driving economic growth, place development and sustainability.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for tourism at Hull City Council, said: “Tourism is worth hundreds of millions of pounds to our local economy, but the real value lies in the people who create unforgettable experiences for visitors.
“Events like the REYTAs remind us just how much talent and ambition we have in this region. These awards set the benchmark for quality and help us all to keep raising the bar.”
Councillor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, added: “The REYTAs shine a light on everything that’s special about our region – the creativity, passion and pride that drive our visitor economy.
“Every winner and finalist has helped make East Yorkshire and Hull a destination of choice for visitors from across the UK and beyond. Their success is not only good for tourism but for our communities, jobs and local identity.”
Special guest Lady Victoria Borwick, Chair of the VisitEngland Advisory Board, praised the event and the quality of the entrants.
“What an inspiring celebration of tourism excellence,” she said.
“The REYTAs showcase the people, places and experiences that make Hull and East Yorkshire such a vibrant and welcoming destination.
“The passion and dedication shown by these winners and finalists is truly remarkable, and it was a joy to see their achievements recognised on this stage.”
The REYTAs’ credibility and standing continue to grow, having recently been awarded ‘Outstanding’ in the Awards Trust Mark Accreditation, recognising their transparency, integrity and impact.
Headline sponsors Wykeland Group and Fred Marketing again supported this year’s landmark celebration, which drew more than 500 guests from across the tourism and hospitality sector.
The 2025 REYTAs – winners and highly commended:
Remarkable Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award, sponsored by HPSS – Hull Truck Theatre, Hull
Remarkable Business Events Venue of the Year, sponsored by Connexin Live – Doubletree by Hilton Hull
Remarkable Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year – Acorn Glade Glamping, Melbourne
Highly commended – Kingfisher Lakes Glamping & Lodges, Brandesburton
Remarkable Regenerative Tourism Award, sponsored by Acklams – Gemini Chocolate, Beverley
Remarkable Experience of the Year – Goat Yoga at Ings Park Alpacas, North Cave
Highly commended – Meerkat Experience at Bridlington Animal Park, Carnaby
Remarkable Large Hotel of the Year, sponsored by The Golden Thread – Doubletree by Hilton Hull
Remarkable New Tourism Business of the Year – WILD Organic Eatery, Beverley
Highly commended – Junk Bar, Beverley
Remarkable Pub of the Year, sponsored by Lyon PR – The Ferguson Fawsitt, Walkington
Remarkable Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year – Pasture House Holiday Cottages, Brandesburton
Remarkable Small Hotel of the Year – Salt on the Harbour, Bridlington
Remarkable Visitor Attraction of the Year – William’s Den, North Cave
Remarkable Taste of East Yorkshire Award – L’Opaline Bistrot, Beverley
Remarkable Cuppa Award – Drewton’s Farm Shop, South Cave
Remarkable Dog Welcome Award – Walking the Wolds, Driffield
Remarkable Local Producer Award, sponsored by East Yorkshire Local Food Network – Luke’s Bakery, Brough
Remarkable Tourism Event of the Year, sponsored by Hull Trains – Pride in Hull
Highly commended – Hull Fair
Remarkable East Yorkshire Passion Award – Sarah Hutchinson, Bridlington
