Two North East tourism bosses have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honour’s List.
Dr Sarah Green and Ian Thomas have been recognised alongside the likes of Stephen Fry, Gareth Southgate, and Jacqueline Wilson. Sarah, who is the CEO of the NewcastleGateshead Initiative has been given an OBE, while Ian, chair of Destination North East England, the first Destination Development Partnership Pilot (DDP); has been awarded an MBE.
Sarah, from Alnwick, Northumberland, has spent two decades championing the region’s businesses and in her four years at the helm of NGI has driven forward its mission to inspire people to visit, live, learn, work and invest in the North East. She has represented the country’s Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and under her leadership, the region secured a £2.25m boost from UK Government to lead England’s first Destination Development Partnership Pilot (DDDP), of which Ian is the chair.
During the partnership, the region’s visitor economy has grown to £6.1 billion, with 69 million visitors and 63,000 jobs supported. It is hoped that by 2033, that economy will be worth £10 billion to the region.
Sarah said: “To be able to champion our incredible region and work alongside our wonderful business community, colleagues and partners to tell the North East’s story is a true privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. North East England is a truly special place, brimming with ambition and an unmatched sense of pride, warmth and of course, that world-famous welcoming nature. I’m proud to help deliver that ambition alongside so many brilliant individuals who make this place great.”
Ian said that getting the accolade hadn’t quite sunk in yet, but he was still completely blown away. He said: “Since starting out in tourism over two decades ago, I have always felt incredibly lucky to call this part of the world home. I see first-hand, every day, the tenacity, drive and determination in the industry to punch above our weight and share our beautiful part of the world with everyone.
“The tourism and hospitality sectors here are made up of the most passionate and hard-working people in the country and I couldn’t be prouder to share the responsibility for doubling the size of the visitor economy with all of them.”
John Marshall, chair of the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said that the awards were the best new year that he could have hoped for. He said: “Sarah and Ian are both inspirational and passionate champions of North East England and have done so much for our businesses and our people.
“It is a real privilege to work with them both and it is wonderful to see their outstanding contribution recognised.”
King’s New Year Honours 2025
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