(Image: Supplied)
Hospitality stars from across the North East have been honoured at an awards ceremony celebrating the region’s hotel sector.
The North East Hotels Association Excellence Awards drew around 400 industry professionals to The Fed in Gateshead.
Eleven awards were presented, with Hotel Indigo Newcastle and Hampton by Hilton Stockton each taking home two.
NEHA co-chair Anna Wadcock said: "Every year the NEHA awards seems to get bigger and better and 2026 has exceeded all expectations."
"The entries this year were exceptional and our panel of judges had a very hard task selecting winners from an incredible mix of hotels and the people which make them shine.
"We are delighted to be able to recognise the stars of this industry and it’s fantastic to see our members all come together to celebrate the wonderful work within this sector and give those who excel and go above and beyond, the credit and praise they so deserve."
Hampton by Hilton Stockton’s John Lambourne-Richardson won Inspirational Leader, while the hotel took the Community Award.
Hotel Indigo’s Katrina Spiteri won Service Excellence, while colleague Emma Kiddell took Support Services.
The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park won Culinary Excellence.
INNSiDE by Melia Newcastle won the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Award.
Abby Ellliott of Jesmond Dene House won Warmest Welcome, while Malissa Charlton of Malmaison Newcastle took Sales Excellence.
Sandra Hay and the Mercure George Washington Hotel housekeeping team won Cleanliness.
Maldron Hotel Newcastle’s Clinton Douglas won Rising Star, while Bailiffgate Hotel Alnwick’s Kylie Carruthers took Newcomer.
Founded more than 30 years ago, NEHA represents around 50 hotels across Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Northumberland.
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NEHA promotes the North East’s hospitality sector, showcases the region and speaks for the industry on key issues.
The annual Excellence Awards are a highlight of NEHA’s calendar, with winners chosen by a panel of industry experts and hospitality leaders.
Sponsors supporting this year’s ceremony included Experience North East England, the North East Chamber of Commerce, Nearby, RDA Limited, Ringtons, Fishers Services Ltd, the Roberts Family, Alkimii, Expedia Group, SOS Group Ltd, Trustgenie, Blueline, SPARK EPoS, Gateshead College, Direct Global, WGC, Business Wear Direct and Newcastle International Airport.