Yorkshire Post Tourism Awards 2026: Entries open as refreshed event returns with host of new categories

The refreshed line up of awards includes a new ‘Tourism Trailblazer’ award to celebrate individuals who have made a significant impact on tourism in the region.

There is also a new ‘Hidden Gem of Yorkshire’ award to celebrate attractions which deserve more of the spotlight, as well as a new Best Wellbeing/Spa category to celebrate the region’s great strength and diversity of offer in this area.

There is also a new Cafe of the Year award and a Best Pub prize, as well as a Holiday Rental of the Year category, along with Event Venue of the Year and Cultural Event of the Year.

Other returning categories include the Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award; B&B or Guest House of the Year; Small Tourist Attraction (under 75k visitors per year) and Large Tourist Attraction (over 75k visitors per year)

Our region’s top restaurants and chefs will battle it out in the Best Fine Dining category, while there is also a Sustainable Tourism Award, an Outstanding Customer Service Award as well as Boutique Hotel of the Year (up to 50 bedrooms) and Large Hotel of the Year (over 50 bedrooms).

Nominations are also being taken for the ‘Best Yorkshire Experience’ - with judges deciding on the top six entries which will be put to a live vote on the evening of the awards to decide the winner.

Judge Wayne Topley said: “It is a privilege to be given an insight into a wide range of creative, entrepreneurial, unique and successful businesses from all parts of Yorkshire. To read about their journey and purpose is very uplifting and makes you feel proud of our county.”

Nominations across the different categories are open until September 27. For more information or to submit an entry, visit www.nationalworldevents.com/ypta-2026

Full list of categories

Holiday Rental of the Year: This award recognises an outstanding holiday rental that consistently delivers exceptional guest experience while demonstrating excellent quality, service and professionalism.

Best Wellbeing / Spa Business: This award recognises an outstanding wellbeing or spa business that delivers exceptional treatments, outstanding customer care, and a genuine commitment to improving clients’ health and wellbeing.

Cultural Event of the Year: This award recognises excellence in delivering memorable cultural experiences that engage communities, celebrate diversity, inspire participation and leave a lasting positive impact.

Cafe of the Year: This award recognises cafes that consistently deliver an outstanding customer experience through exceptional food and drink, excellent customer service and strong commitment to their community.

Hidden Gem of Yorkshire: This award celebrates Yorkshire’s best-kept-secrets. Those exceptional businesses, attractions, experiences and gardens that consistently delight visitors and make a positive contribution to their local community.

Event Venue of the Year: This award recognises an outstanding venue that has demonstrated excellence in hosting events, delivering exceptional customer service experiences and supporting organisers to create memorable occasions.

Accessible & Inclusive Tourism Award: This award celebrates tourism businesses, destinations, attractions, accommodation providers, tour operators, and visitor experiences that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to accessibility and inclusion. It recognises organisations that remove barriers, embrace inclusive design, and create welcoming experiences for people of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and needs.

B&B or Guest House of the Year: This award recognises an outstanding bed & breakfast or guest house that consistently delivers exceptional hospitality, comfort and memorable guest experiences. It celebrates independent accommodation providers that demonstrate excellence in customer service, high standards of quality, a strong sense of place, and a commitment to exceeding guest expectations.

Small Tourist Attraction (under 75k visitors per year): This award recognises outstanding visitor attractions welcoming fewer than 75,000 visitors annually. It celebrates attractions that deliver exceptional visitor experiences, demonstrate excellence in customer service, contribute to their local destination, and make a significant impact despite their smaller scale.

Large Tourist Attraction (over 75k visitors per year): This award recognises an outstanding large visitor attraction with over 75,000 visitors annually. This attraction consistently delivers exceptional visitor experiences while demonstrating excellence in customer service, innovation, accessibility and sustainability.

Best Fine Dining: This award recognises a restaurant that delivers an exceptional fine dining experience through outstanding cuisine, impeccable service, elegant surroundings, and a commitment to excellence.

Best Pub Award: This award recognises an exceptional pub that consistently delivers outstanding hospitality, creates a welcoming atmosphere, and plays a valued role within its local community.

Sustainable Tourism Award: This award celebrates organisations that minimise their environmental impact, support local communities and cultures, and create positive economic outcomes while delivering exceptional visitor experiences.

Outstanding Customer Service Award: This award recognises an individual or team that consistently delivers exceptional customer service, demonstrating professionalism, empathy, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to exceeding customer expectations.

Boutique Hotel of the Year (up to 50 bedrooms): This award recognises an outstanding boutique hotel with up to 50 bedrooms that delivers an exceptional guest experience through distinctive character, outstanding hospitality, and consistently high standards.

Large Hotel of the Year (over 50 bedrooms): This award recognises an outstanding large hotel with over 50 rooms, that consistently delivers exceptional guest experiences while demonstrating excellence across all areas of its operation.

Best Yorkshire Experience: The winner of this category will be decided by the general public via an online voting form. Entries are open to any business, attraction, venue or experience that offers an exceptional visitor experience. The judges will agree on the top 6 entries which will be put to the public vote to decide our 2026 winner.

Tourism Trailblazer: Recognising individuals behind the scenes who make a significant impact on Yorkshire’s tourism industry. Whether through acts of kindness, unwavering professionalism or an exceptional customer-first mindset, this person inspires others and sets the standard for excellence.