Newcastle Gateshead Initiative bosses awarded MBE and OBE

Dr Sarah Green and Ian Thomas of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative are among hundreds of people who have this year received accolades from the King which can range from services from charity to business.

Dr Green has been awarded an OBE and Mr Thomas has been awarded an MBE for their services to tourism.

Dr Sarah Green. (Image: NEWCASTLE GATESHEAD INTIATIVE) The pair, who have worked with both national and regional leaders to promote the region's £6.1bn visitor economy have decades of experience in the industry.

Reacting to the OBE, Dr Sarah Green said: "I am so very honoured to have been awarded an OBE for a job that I feel incredibly fortunate to do.

"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.

Ian Thomas. (Image: NEWCASTLE GATESHEAD INTIATIVE) "I’m proud to help deliver that ambition alongside so many brilliant individuals who make this place great."

Also humbled by the news, Ian Thomas added: "I’m still completely blown away by this accolade and I don’t think the news has quite sunk in just yet.

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"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."