The Visit York Tourism Awards 2026 will take place on 12th March 2026 at the historic York Racecourse. The Visit York Tourism Awards celebrates excellence across a diverse range of categories, recognising the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals within York’s vibrant tourism sector.
Each category will honour those who demonstrate exceptional quality, innovation and dedication in providing memorable experiences for visitors. From inclusive tourism to sustainable practices, and from the best in accommodation to extraordinary events, these awards will shine a spotlight on the very best that York has to offer. Find below the details of each award category, and discover which award best fits your business.
For detail on sponsoring an award, click here. To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact awards@makeityork.com.
Visit York Tourism Awards – Categories
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises tourism businesses that excel in providing an inclusive customer experience, particularly for those with accessibility requirements.
See the sample application form here.
Camping, Glamping, Holiday Park and Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises self catering accommodation, holiday parks, sites and villages that provide exceptional guest experiences across properties for let, static vans, touring pitches, shepherd's huts and more.
See the sample application form here.
Regenerative Tourism Award
Award sponsored by First Bus
This award recognises tourism businesses committed to being sustainable, responsible and ethical in how they operate and interact with customers, the wider community and the environment.
See the sample application form here.
Event, Festival or Cultural Experience of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises
organisers of truly memorable and immersive events and
festivals for visitors to enjoy.
See the sample application form here.
Experience of the Year
Award sponsored by LNER
This award recognises providers of truly memorable and immersive activities for visitors to participate in.
See the sample application form here.
Independent Business of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available
For businesses directly involved in tourism, with a unique selling point that might be a retail offering, theme or entertainment and with no more than 5 branches.
See the sample application form here.
Large Hotel of the Year
Award sponsored by Streamline Taxis
This award recognises full service hotels providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
See the sample application form here.
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises large visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
See the sample application form here.
New Tourism Business Award
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises high performing new tourism businesses, demonstrating excellent understanding of their market, exceeding the expectations of their customers with clear plans for future development.
See the sample application form here.
Pub of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises pubs that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a food and drink offering that includes quality locally sourced produce.
See the sample application form here.
Retailer of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises businesses that make a significant contribution to tourism in their area, with a retail offering.
See the sample application form here.
Small Serviced Accomodation Provider of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises small serviced accommodation businesses providing truly memorable guest experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
See the sample application form here.
Small Visitor Attraction of the Year
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises small visitor attraction businesses providing truly memorable visitor experiences and demonstrating excellence across every aspect of the business.
See the sample application form here.
Taste of England Award
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises businesses within the tourism industry that offer food, beverage and service innovation and excellence.
See the sample application form here.
The Best of York Award
Award sponsored by York St John University
This
award recognises the very best that York has to offer, be it a business, a
team or an individual.
See the sample application form here.
International Tourism Award
Sponsorship opportunity available
This award recognises tourism businesses providing unforgettable visitor experiences for international visitors and attention to detail in all areas of the business.
See the sample application form here.
Hospitality Hero Award
The ‘Hospitality Hero’ award recognises the contributions of an individual who plays an integral role within a hospitality business, and the vital part they play within their team and in welcoming guests. Nominations are welcome from Visit York and Hospitality Association York (HAY) members.