The 2026 East Midlands Tourism Awards, held at Derby County Football Club’s Pride Park Stadium, honoured outstanding contributions to the region's tourism sector. The event, part of English Tourism Week, gathered industry leaders and innovators to celebrate excellence across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and the wider region.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, praised the winners and finalists, stating, “Their hard work, creativity, and passion not only attract visitors from far and wide, but also support local jobs, businesses, and communities.” Tourism is crucial to the East Midlands economy, contributing $5.25 billion (£5.25 billion) in 2024-5 and supporting thousands of jobs.
The awards, organised with regional tourism partners such as Visit Nottinghamshire and Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby, recognised a range of businesses, from accommodation providers to restaurants and attractions. Megan Powell Vreeswijk, CEO of Visit Nottinghamshire, highlighted the sector's economic impact, noting it supports 22,500 jobs and generates $2.53 billion (£2.53 billion) annually.
Jo Dilley, managing director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, emphasised the collaborative spirit of the event, which showcases the region's tourism strength. The gold winners from key categories will advance to the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, further spotlighting the East Midlands' tourism achievements
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