Organised by Visit East of England (VEE), the official tourism body for Suffolk and Norfolk, the awards feature 11 categories in all, with a ceremony to take place on Thursday 6th March at Norwich Castle.
Finalists then automatically receive the opportunity to compete on a national level, in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, which takes place in June.
Among those in the frame for a prize are Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum, Eezy Bike, East Point Pavilion, The Miller’s Shed, Jimmy’s Farm, The Leaping Hare and Retreat East.
Sponsors include the likes of Ensors, Lovewell Blake and Larking Gowen.
This year’s categories applaud such areas of achievement and innovation as Experience of the Year; Ethical Responsible and Sustainable Tourism; Taste of England, and Unsung Hero.
The timing is a perfect opportunity for such a regional showcase of tourism success.
It is only in the last 12 months that Visit East of England has been accredited as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), underscoring its commitment to fostering sustainable growth, supporting local businesses, and ensuring the region remains a key destination for visitors from across the UK and beyond.
In organising the awards, VEE aims to elevate the profile of Suffolk and Norfolk’s tourism sector while encouraging continued innovation and excellence.
Holly Oakland, on behalf of VEE, said: “The Suffolk & Norfolk Tourism Awards provide an invaluable platform to showcase the region’s commitment to excellence.
These awards represent the very best of what our region has to offer, and it’s a privilege to see so many businesses shining a light on our vibrant tourism sector.”
She added: “There’s no doubt that all businesses are feeling pressures this year, so we’re delighted to be able to start the season by celebrating what so many tourism ventures bring to our two wonderful counties.
“The signs are really positive that we’ll have an awful lot of people wanting to make the East of England a destination of choice this year.”
The full list of finalists is:
Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award – Sponsored by Swiss Camplings
● Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum
● Eezy Bike
● Wild With Nature
New Tourism Business of the Year – Sponsored by Lovewell Blake
● East Point Pavilion
● The Dukes Lodge Earsham
● The Miller’s Shed
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
● Deer’s Glade Caravan & Camping Park
● The Grove Glamping
● Searles Leisure Resort
● Hippersons Boatyard
Experience of the Year
● Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park
● Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
● Love Norwich Food
Visitor Attraction of the Year – Sponsored by Howes Percival
● BeWILDerwood Norfolk
● Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park
● Holkham
B&B and Guest House of the Year
● Dairy Barns
● The White Hart
● Belle Vue Guest House & Cottage
Hotel of the Year – Sponsored by Ensors Chartered Accountants
● The Maids Head Hotel
● The Harper
● Titchwell Manor
Pub of the Year
● The Pigs
● The Langham Blue Bell
● The Suffield Arms
● Dukes Head, Somerleyton
Self Catering Accommodation of the Year – Sponsored by Hoseasons
● North Cottage Cromer
● The Suffolk Escape
● East Ruston Cottages
Taste of England Award
● The Leaping Hare
● Retreat East
● Yalm Foodhall
Unsung Hero of the Year Award – Sponsored by Greater Anglia
● Fran Hartshorne – The White Horse, Brancaster
● Sam Vallerius – Marina Theatre
● Ian Russell – Wroxham Barns
A small number of tickets remain available for the event, which runs from 6pm until 8pm on 6th March.
For details, contact laura.munnings@visiteastofengland.com
