Northumberland has finally been commended as the number one destination for tourists after years of trailing behind Cornwall. The county won GOLD this week at the British Travel Awards after coming second to Cornwall for four successive years.

The Leader of Northumberland County Council Peter Jackson was present to accept the award on behalf of the council, who worked hard to promote the county’s entry through the ‘Vote NLand’ social media campaign.

Northumberland Conservatives have committed to promoting the county to tourists and celebrating Northumbrian culture since they were elected to run the council in May 2017. The council has delivered on this through initiatives like ‘Vote NLand’, Produced in Northumberland, which promotes Northumbrian food and drink to the world, and Great Northumberland which set the county apart during Summer 2018’s Great Exhibition of the North.

Cath Homer, the Cabinet Member whose department has responsibility for culture, arts, leisure and tourism said on Receiving the award, “The fact that the visitors themselves voted for our entry shows this award is well deserved.

“We’ve done so much to make our county more comfortable for residents and appealing to tourists so it’s no surprise that finally we’ve reached the top spot.

“What we offer is unrivalled. The natural beauty of Northumberland is impressive and unique. The food and drink industry here offers more now than it has before. Evidence of our proud history and passionate people is all over and I’m confident that thanks to what we’re doing as a council, more people will come here to see it and celebrate it with us.”

More than 500 subscribers to Northumberland Conservatives’ weekly email voted for us in the final day of polling, so a huge thank you must go to all who gave their support.