An annual awards ceremony celebrating the region’s tourism industry will next week take place virtually.
This year’s Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs), which recognises some of the region’s best businesses from the tourism industry, have had to be adapted in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rather than the glittering awards ceremony witnessed by a few hundred guests, this year anyone will be able to watch as they are streamed online on Wednesday 6 May at 8pm.
We are all looking forward to the virtual REYTA’s, only one week to go! 🎫🎉
Good luck to all the finalists🍀 🤞@VHEY_UK @HEYConferences @VHEY_Partners pic.twitter.com/lg3kcL8JYr
— DoubleTree Hull (@DoubleTreeHull) April 29, 2020
Councillor Dave Craker, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and leisure at Hull City Council, said: “The REYTAs are a fantastic annual celebration of our region’s tourism offer and, like all of us, I’m immensely disappointed that we are unable to come together to celebrate them in the usual fashion this year. However, I’m delighted that the awards are still taking place so that we can recognise some of our area’s finest businesses and attractions.”
A total of 15 awards will be announced at the virtual event and 78 shortlisted businesses and attractions will be showcased with the screening of specially commissioned videos during the hour-long show.
Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for tourism, culture and leisure at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Hopefully the evening will provide an opportunity to put some smiles on faces and celebrate success and we invite everyone to join us and embrace the spirit of the occasion.
“All of the VHEY team will be dressed up in their party dresses and suits, with our hair and make-up done and our improvised remarkable meals on order. We hope you’ll dress up and join in, too, using video conferencing to watch with family, friends and colleagues.”
Some of the region’s best businesses are honoured at the REYTAs. Above is an image taken from last year’s spectacular awards.
Radio Humberside presenter Blair Jacobs will host the evening, filmed directly from his front room.
Andrew Stokes, VisitEngland director, said: “As the tourism industry navigates these unprecedented times, it is important that the VisitEngland Awards for excellence and it’s feeder competitions continue and recognise those businesses that deliver amazing experiences for visitors.”
The awards will be streamed on the VHEY Facebook page at 8pm on Wednesday 6 May. They will also be streamed on the VHEY YouTube page.
Find out more about the awards and join the discussion online using the hashtag #REYTA2020.
