The REYTAs return for 15th year to shine a light on remarkable tourism businesses
SHARING SUCCESS: The REYTAs celebrate remarkable tourism businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
Tourism businesses across Hull and East Yorkshire are being called to celebrate their success and shine on a regional – and potentially national – stage, as the Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs) return for their milestone 15th year.
Organised by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY), the 2025 REYTAs are officially open for entries, culminating in a spectacular awards evening at Connexin Live, in Hull, on Wednesday, November 19.
Held in association with the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, eligible winners from the REYTAs will automatically progress to the national finals.
Dumble Farm, winner of Remarkable Experience of the Year at the 2024 RETAs for its ‘cow cuddling’ sessions, was crowned ‘Gold’ winner for Experience of the Year at the VisitEngland awards earlier this month.
Chris Blacksell, chair of VHEY, said: “Tourism is the heartbeat of Hull and East Yorkshire, and the REYTAs are our chance to celebrate the people and places that bring our region to life.
CELEBRATION: The REYTAs culminate in a spectacular awards evening
“From unique visitor experiences to unforgettable events and world-class hospitality, the awards are about honouring the passion, creativity and resilience of our tourism sector.
“The REYTAs are a fabulous occasion and give all the finalists fantastic profile, and the recent success of Dumble Farm shows how this can extend to a national level.”
VHEY, the area’s accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), is supported by Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and a broad range of private sector partners.
Councillor Rob Pritchard, portfolio holder for tourism at Hull City Council, said: “Hull and East Yorkshire continue to attract visitors from across the UK and beyond, thanks to the outstanding quality and variety of what we have to offer.
“The REYTAs are not only a celebration of our thriving tourism economy but a reminder of the 21,000 people whose work makes that success possible. These awards give us a moment to reflect, celebrate and inspire continued excellence."
MESSAGE: Chris Blacksell, Chair of Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, said the REYTAs are a chance to “celebrate the people and places that bring our region to life”
Councillor Nick Coultish, portfolio holder for culture, leisure and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, added: “The REYTAs play a crucial role in recognising the businesses and individuals who go above and beyond to put Hull and East Yorkshire on the map.
“Whether it’s a local food producer, a boutique hotel or a community-led event, the REYTAs shine a light on the stories that make our region such a distinctive and welcoming destination.”
Following Dumble Farm’s recent success at the VisitEngland awards, owner Fiona Wilson said: “The award ceremony was wonderful – the local food and wine were delicious, and the VisitEngland team made us feel so welcome.
“We’re also incredibly grateful to Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) for their support.
“East Yorkshire is an amazing place. We hope visitors will not only meet our cows but also explore the beautiful farm and surrounding area.”
NATIONAL RECOGNITION: Dumble Farm, winner of Remarkable Experience of the Year at last year's RETAs for its ‘cow cuddling’ sessions, was crowned ‘Gold’ winner for Experience of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence
This year, the REYTAs feature 17 award categories, including the introduction of the Remarkable Dog Welcome Award – a nod to the growing number of dog-friendly venues and experiences in the region.
From major attractions and food producers to boutique stays and unforgettable experiences, the REYTAs are open to all tourism-related businesses operating in Hull and East Yorkshire.
Registration is already open for two application masterclasses offering practical tips:
Bridlington Spa – 10am, Wednesday, June 25
The Edge Hub, Hull – 1.30pm, Friday, July 4
The deadline for entries is midnight on Friday, August 1, after which finalists will be shortlisted. Judging will include independent panels and mystery shopper assessments, culminating in a glamorous gala event on November 19 where around 500 industry professionals are expected to attend.
The 2025 REYTAs are proudly supported by headline sponsors Wykeland Group and Fred Marketing.
Entry is free, and businesses can apply easily via https://visithullandeastyorkshire.co.uk/remarkable-east-yorkshire-tourism-awards/
2025 REYTAs categories:
Remarkable Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Remarkable Business Events Venue of the Year
Remarkable Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
Remarkable Cuppa Award
Remarkable Dog Welcome Award
Remarkable Experience of the Year
Remarkable Large Hotel of the Year
Remarkable Local Producer Award
Remarkable New Tourism Business of the Year
Remarkable Pub of the Year
Remarkable Regenerative Tourism Award
Remarkable Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year
Remarkable Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year
Remarkable Taste of East Yorkshire Award
Remarkable Tourism Event of the Year
Remarkable Visitor Attraction of the Year
Remarkable East Yorkshire Passion Award