LOCAL businesses and organsioations have given their financial backing to this years East Yorkshire's tourism awards

The Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (REYTAs) celebrate the creme de la creme of the region's tourist industry, raising a toast to the people and venues that make East Yorkshire such a gem.

And, in spite of the economic climate, organiser Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (Vhey) has secured sponsorship for each of the 11 individual categories, meaning this year's awards will be entirely self-funded.

This level of support from the business community has been mirrored by the public, with more than 4,000 votes cast for the for the area's best pub and attraction – twice the number of votes cast last year.

Janet Reuben, chief executive of Vhey, said: "The response from organisations and the public to this year's REYTAs has been overwhelmingly positive which is reflective of the strength of our tourism industry.

"It's an incredible achievement to have secured full sponsorship and I am hugely thankful to all the organisations that have supported us for their generosity."

The awards themselves have also experienced an exponential growth in popularity, with the number of nomination forms received up 50 per cent on 2010.

Sponsors include The Deep; Strawberry; Princes Quay Shopping Centre ; St Stephen's Shopping Centre; Mail News and Media; The Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development; The Spa Bridlington ; P&O Ferries; deliciouslyorkshire and First Hull Trains Business Travel.