THERE’S another chance for Northumberland to shine as the county is in the running for the title of Best UK Holiday Destination/County 2019.

In 2018, members of the public cast their votes to help secure the sought after British Travel Awards title against competition from big hitters like Cornwall – which had dominated the category since 2009.

Now it’s time to do it all over again to ensure Northumberland’s deserved crown is retained following on from the county’s nomination in the 2019 awards.

Northumberland County Council and Northumberland Tourism are working together to encourage to vote and ensure the title comes back to Northumberland again.

Last year saw 334,522 consumers cast 753,938 votes across the 83 award categories for their favourite companies and brands in the 13 weeks between July and September.

The British Travel Awards is established as the consumer symbol of excellence and in every one of the four years between 2014 and 2017, a silver award in the category was awarded to Northumberland.

But 2018 was the first time a gold award – and therefore the category win – was achieved.

British Travel Awards’ chief executive Lorraine Barnes Burton said: “Northumberland is to be congratulated on winning Best UK Holiday Destination/County.

“The awards are the only travel industry accolade voted for exclusively by the consumer and the awards serve to recognise all that is great about travel, as experienced by the travelling public.

“To win a British Travel Award is a true achievement.”

Jude Leitch, former director of Northumberland Tourism, said “Tourism is vitally important to Northumberland, both in terms of employment and economic growth.

“Winning Gold is great recognition of the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the industry across the county.”

And, as the county with the most castles, the quietest national park, the longest stretch of Hadrian’s Wall – and therefore the richest Roman history – and some of the most staggering beaches in the whole of the UK, now is the perfect time for people to show their support and celebrate everything on offer.

Votes can be cast by visiting www.vote4northumberland.com.

But it doesn’t have to stop there.

Residents are being encouraged to spread the word among family, friends and visitors to secure as many votes as possible.