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North East REGION - Tourism/Tourism Photos/How do we do in the Tourism Stakes? (All Sub-Forum Areas)

53K views 154 replies 19 participants last post by  Ken O'Heed 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I visited Durham a couple of days ago and it was quite interesting to compare a few things. As a place, it was like a cross between a large Beverley and a small York. Some good picturesque views, but the demographic of people seemed to be almost split into thirds of: eldery tourists, students and then trackie-wearing types.

It came across as quite small for a city, and according to wiki, it's population is around the 42,000 mark. So I found it strange that it had shops that Hull doesn't have, or couldn't keep... such as: Wittards of Chelsea, Jack Wills, Paperchase, Slug & Lettuce and Yates'.

I visited a few places before going to Durham and everywhere I went, there seemed a lot of effort to promote the area and promote Durham as a tourist destination, but I found once I'd got there, once you've been to the castle, the river and the cathedral as well as looked around the shops and popped to a cafe, there isn't a lot all else to do in the city itself (most other things to do are in the wider region), especially when compared to the amount of things you can do in Hull as a tourist, more of which is free. Yet there seemed to be a lot more tourists walking around than you ever see walking around in Hull.

So, it begs the question - instead of focussing on spending money trying to boost shopping, should we instead be spending more money trying to attract extra tourists? As I'm guessing those shops mentioned have opened up in Durham due to tourism numbers? So, by attracting more tourists, you attract more retailers, and by attracting more retailers, you attract more shoppers.

What I mean is that, in Hull, there are quite a lot of stands (I even think there is one in Hull City Hall) full of leaflets promoting York and Leeds. I don't imagine (and can't imagine ever seeing any) that there are stands full of leaflets in York and Leeds promoting Hull and East Yorkshire. Most of Hull's promotion seems to be aimed in Hull, why isn't some of the promtion aimed at Beverley, Driffield, Bridlington, York, Doncaster and Leeds?

All the towns and villages I stopped off at in Durham seemed to all promote the likes of: Durham, County Durham, Newcastle, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Darlington and then lots of promotion for the Lake District and the Yorkshire Moors and Dales too. You don't seem to see any promotion for Hull until you actually get into Hull, other than promotion for The Deep - that seems to be everywhere. If The Deep can do it well, why can't the city/region?


For any of the readers from the other North-East sub-forums, it'd be good to see your viewpoints RE: the North-East's efforts on tourism, as you're in amongst it all the time. And as an opinion on Durham, although there could be more to do, I really enjoyed it as a day out. The only thing that lets it down is that horrible shopping centre development on the riverside - The Gates.
Durham as a county is really nice, lots to see and do and the roads are soo much better than in the East Riding - almost everywhere you go is dualled, meaning the destination time is short - which is always a good thing.
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#52 ·
Number of overseas visitors to the North East at a five year high

Courtesy of the Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/number-overseas-visitors-north-east-7659684

Number of overseas visitors to the North East at a five year high

Aug 22, 2014 19:04 By Kate Proctor


The filming of Harry Potter at Alnwick Castle

Beaches, live music and a little touch of magic have helped the number of overseas visitors to the North East soar.

Holiday makers coming from abroad to the region increased by 22% last year and visitor numbers are at their highest since 2008. It is estimated that foreign guests bring in £26m to the local economy each year.

Alnwick Castle in Northumberland which doubled as Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films has continued to be a major draw while music events and football games have also brought people to the region.

Patricia Yates, Director of Strategy and Communication at VisitBritain said: “These numbers demonstrate the North East’s growing appeal to international visitors and inbound tourism’s economic delivery to the region. VisitBritain works closely with destination management organisations like NewcastleGateshead Initiative to encourage visitors to explore different parts of the country and enjoy the range of experiences and activities on offer.”

The North East welcomed 66,000 holiday visits during the months of July, August and September in 2013 - the highest amount since the 2008 record of 78,000 visits. This increase represents a faster rate of growth than summer holiday visits to Scotland (16%), Wales (12%) and the North West (8%).

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/news/north-east-news/number-overseas-visitors-north-east-7659684
 
#53 ·
Beautiful North East showcased at Heathrow Airport after winning advertising campaign

Courtesy of the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/beautiful-north-east-showcased-heathrow-7732093

Beautiful North East showcased at Heathrow Airport after winning advertising campaign
Sep 08, 2014 06:30 By Michael Marsh



Stunning images showcasing the North East in all its glory have gone up in one of the world’s busiest airports.

The region triumphed in a competition against other parts of the country to win a £1m advertising campaign in London’s Heathrow Airport. The region beat off competition from the North West, Northern Ireland and the Midlands thanks to the public’s help in a competition resulting in 40,000 votes. Readers were encouraged to go to the Heathrow Facebook page to vote for the North East and put it on the map.

For three months, millions of holidaymakers will see the VisitBritain adverts on digital screens across terminals as tourism bosses hope to boost visitor numbers to the area. The five promotional images for the North East show the Newcastle Quayside, Bamburgh Castle, Durham Cathedral, Hadrian’s Wall and the Angel of the North.

James Ramsbotham, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “The iconic images that have been selected showcase the North East at its beautiful best. We were delighted to all play our part in this successful competition and grateful to Heathrow and VisitBritain for providing a national platform to celebrate all that is great about our glorious region. What we are saying now is come and see the North East for yourself; whether you are an investor or a visitor and you will be more than pleasantly surprised.”

The pictures will be put up in the airport’s terminals today, Monday. John Holland Kaye, Heathrow’s CEO said: “We were gripped by the YourGreatBritain competition and the head to head finish was particularly exciting. It was fantastic to see the passion of the people of the North East and how they really got behind the competition, resulting in over 19,000 votes for the breath taking image of Hadrian’s Wall. In total over 40,000 votes were received for all four regions so the North East should be delighted with these stunning images that will feature across the UK’s only hub airport for the next three months. Heathrow is the gateway to Britain and sees around 73 million passengers a year travel through the airport. With seven flights a day from Heathrow to Newcastle we hope the images will inspire passengers to explore the beautiful North East during their visit to the UK.”

Read more and see image gallery @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/beautiful-north-east-showcased-heathrow-7732093
 
#54 ·
Beautiful North East showcased at Heathrow Airport after winning advertising campaign
Sep 08, 2014 06:30 By Michael Marsh

Five stunning images showcasing the North East of England in all its glory have gone up in one of the world’s busiest airports. The region triumphed in a competition against other parts of the country to win a £1m advertising campaign in London’s Heathrow Airport. For three months, millions of holidaymakers will see the 5 VisitBritain adverts on digital screens across terminals as tourism bosses hope to boost visitor numbers to the area. The five promotional images for the North East show the Newcastle Quayside, Bamburgh Castle, Durham Cathedral, Hadrian’s Wall and the Angel of the North.

Read more and see image gallery @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/beautiful-north-east-showcased-heathrow-7732093

Here are the Five Images . . .













Source of IMAGES - http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/beautiful-north-east-showcased-heathrow-7732093
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#55 ·
North East tourism: European funding 'desperately needed' to help growth in 2015

Courtesy of the Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/north-e...s/north-east-tourism-european-funding-7994992
North East tourism: European funding 'desperately needed' to help growth in 2015
Oct 24, 2014 16:27 By Rachel Wearmouth


NGI chief executive Sarah Stewart

North East tourism attractions are missing out on “desperately-needed” European funding that could create jobs and growth, industry leaders have warned the Government.

The Northern Tourism Alliance fears the European Commission will continue to overlook projects and attractions will fail to capitalise on opportunities as a result.

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid must now show “strong direction”, the alliance says, so that success stories like County Durham’s Beamish Museum - which recorded a 20% hike in visitor numbers in 2014 - is rewarded with the cash to help it grow in 2015.

The alliance, which brings together local authorities, tourism agencies and businesses, sounded the alarm in its response to the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, which is carrying out an inquiry into tourism across the UK.

Sarah Stewart, chief executive at the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said: “The visitor economy plays an important role in the North East’s ongoing economic growth; that its value and positive impact locally is recognised by the Government is critical.

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/north-e...s/north-east-tourism-european-funding-7994992
 
#56 ·
South Tyneside could scoop two top tourism prizes

From today's Shields Gazette @ http://www.shieldsgazette.com/what-s-on/south-tyneside-could-scoop-two-top-tourism-prizes-1-6916158
South Tyneside could scoop two top tourism prizes
25th October 2014



SOUTH Tyneside is in line to scoop two top tourism prizes.

Zeera restaurant in Ocean Road, South Shields, has been shortlisted for the Taste of England Award in the North East England Tourism Awards 2014. Also in the running for recognition is South Tyneside Council with the South Tyneside Summer Festival shortlisted for the Tourism Event of the Year accolade.

Bosses at Zeera, an Indian restaurant, are hoping to take home the top prize from a glitzy ceremony to be held at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light next month. The restaurant opened in December 2007 after brothers Shahanoor, Kohinoor and Abadur Choudhury decided to open their own place. Zeera quickly became a favourite for curry lovers and head chef Kohinoor went on to win South Tyneside Chef of the Year twice in 2009 and 2011 and North East Curry Chef of the Year 2012. Zeera director and former Bangla Achievement Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, Shahanoor, said: “We have worked for over 10 years in restaurants on Ocean Road and always thought that one day we would open our own place and run it the way we wanted. It was a big step but it has all been worth it and to gain recognition in the North East Tourism Awards is amazing for us. I would like to thank all the staff and all of our customers.”

This year’s South Tyneside Summer Festival saw thousands flock to the borough to enjoy free concerts from the likes of Shayne Ward, Heather Small and 10cc, and other events.

Coun Alan Kerr, deputy leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for culture and leisure, said: “We are delighted that our Summer Festival has been shortlisted for such a prestigious award. The festival is a key feature in our annual events programme and boosts tourism which is worth more than £200m to the local economy.

Read more @ http://www.shieldsgazette.com/what-s-on/south-tyneside-could-scoop-two-top-tourism-prizes-1-6916158
 
#57 ·
North East toasts strongest tourism figures since onset of 2008 recession

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/north-e...s/north-east-toasts-strongest-tourism-8018613
North East toasts strongest tourism figures since onset of 2008 recession
Oct 30, 2014 06:30 By Rachel Wearmouth


NGI chief executive Sarah Stewart

A tourism boom in the North East sees the industry toast the strongest visitor figures since the onset of the 2008 recession today.

The first six months of 2014 saw the highest number of visitors for five years, with overseas tourists spending £88m in the region. Visit England’s data shows the industry returning to pre-economic crisis health and the news just days after Newcastle International Airport announced it would operate a route to New York.

The figures reveal how the North East welcomed 222,000 visitors from abroad between January and June, showing an uplift of 25% on the same six months of 2013. Spending also rose by 25% over the same period with people from Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands the most likely to visit.

Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said: “It’s great to see such fantastic results, which are supported by our own data showing that overnight stays in Newcastle and Gateshead have increased for the same period of time, with room occupancy standing at 74% (+4% year on year). She added: “It’s encouraging to see the countries that we actively target - Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands - are amongst the top five for inbound visitor numbers to the North East; this suggests that our activity is delivering positive results.

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/north-e...s/north-east-toasts-strongest-tourism-8018613
 
#58 ·
Gateshead Council to slash funding for the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative

From today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...shead-council-slash-funding-newcastle-8043646
Gateshead Council to slash funding for the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative
Nov 03, 2014 19:27 By Rachel Wearmouth

A council’s funding to a tourism marketing group is set to be slashed just days after the region celebrated the strongest visitor figures since the onset of the 2008 recession.

Cash-strapped Gateshead Council is looking to cut the £276,700 it gives to the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI). It would mean the council no longer helps fund work to drum up inward investment at NGI. It comes as tourists spent £88m in the region in the first six months of 2014 and NGI, which helps to market the area, is poised to help businesses and councils capitalise on growth.

NGI and the North East Chamber of Commerce have said they are “disappointed” by the proposed move but Blaydon MP Dave Anderson lays the blame squarely at the foot of the Government for cutting council grants. He said: “This news is very concerning but not unsurprising. When you consider that this coalition has stolen £300 out of the pockets and purses of everyone in Gateshead it obvious that something has to give. This is currently just an option for a hard-pressed council that is left with little choice. It is nauseating that the government is telling us that we should all praise its long term economic plan while the impact on the ground is going to be of huge detriment to one of our greatest growth assets in the North East.”

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...shead-council-slash-funding-newcastle-8043646
 
#59 ·
Record number of North Easterners visiting heritage sites

From today's Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/north-e...cord-number-north-easterners-visiting-8109577
Record number of North Easterners visiting heritage sites
Nov 14, 2014 12:00 By Tony Henderson


The Lindisfarne Gospels at Durham

The value of the North East’s heritage assets to the region and its people is underlined in a new report.

A record 79% of people in the North East have visited a heritage site in the past year, the Heritage Counts 2014 shows. And the North East is also the only place to have seen a significant increase in heritage participation, according to the report from English Heritage on behalf of leading heritage organisations, represented by the Historic Environment Forum.

The report says that the region’s heritage has a positive impact on health and wellbeing and also supports an estimated 7,345 jobs in the North East.

One of the biggest heritage draws for the region in recent years was the display of the Lindisfarne Gospels at Durham’s Palace Green. The story of the Lindisfarne gospels and their journey is strongly interwoven with the landscape, history and people of the North East, and last year saw the Lindisfarne gospels on display for three months, on loan from the British library, which attracted 100,000 people from 58 different countries of origin.

Together with a region-wide festival, the exhibition helped to generate an economic impact estimated at £8.3m. The event has also helped to raise the profile of Durham and the North East through media coverage seen by millions of people. The Heritage Counts report also said that heritage-led regeneration plays a key role in economic development, creating special places in which to live, work and visit. The historic environment was shown as a key factor in decisions on business location – ranked alongside road access in levels of importance.

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/north-e...cord-number-north-easterners-visiting-8109577
 
#62 ·
North East England Tourism Awards 2014

It's news from ten days ago, but I don't think anyone else has posted it, and some of my clients have been positively buzzing ever since, so here we go:-

North East England Tourism Awards 2014

http://www.newcastlegateshead.com/corporate/what-we-do/tourism-awards

ngi said:
Tourism Pub of the Year Award
Gold –
The Bridge Tavern
Silver – The Staith House
Bronze – South Causey Inn

Business Tourism Award
Gold - Event Durham, Durham University
Silver – Sodexo Prestige at Newcastle United

Caravan Holiday Park / Holiday Village of the Year Award
Gold - Seafield Caravan Park
Gold – Leaplish Waterside Park - Northumbrian Water Ltd
Bronze – Ord House Country Park
Highly Commended – Golden Sands Holiday Park

Visitor Information Provider of the Year Award
Gold - NewcastleGateshead Visitor Information Centre
Silver - Durham Visitor Information Network
Bronze - Northumberland National Park Centre, TIC Once Brewed

Access for All Tourism Award
Gold - Sage Gateshead
SilverDiscovery Museum, Newcastle
Bronze – Calvert Trust Kielder

Sustainable Tourism Award
Gold – Durham University
Silver – St Cuthbert’s House
Bronze – Sage Gateshead
Highly Commended – Northumberland National Park Centre, Once Brewed

Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award
Gold – Beamish, The Living Museum of the North
Silver – International Centre for Life
Bronze – National Glass Centre
Highly Commended – Sage Gateshead

Taste of England Award
Gold – Knitsley Farm Shop
Silver – Zeera Indian Cuisine
Bronze - Northumberland Cheese Company

Self Catering Holiday Provider of the Year Award
Gold – Springhill Farm
Silver – Calvert Trust Kielder
Silver – Herding Hill Farm
Bronze – Rennington Holiday Cottages

Small Hotel of the Year Award
Gold – Langley Castle Hotel
Silver – Seaham Hall
Bronze - Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa

Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Award
Gold - WWT Washington Wetland Centre
Silver – Kielder Observatory
Bronze – Ouseburn Trust, Victoria Tunnel
Highly Commended - The Cycle Hub

Bed & Breakfast / Guest Accommodation of the Year Award
Gold - Martineau Guest House

Tourism Experience of the Year
Gold – The Cycle Hub
Silver – Lane7
Bronze Hall Hill Farm
Highly Commended – Iles Tours

Large Hotel of the Year Award
Gold – Matfen Hall
Silver – Gisborough Hall Hotel
Bronze - Newcastle Marriott Gosforth Park Hotel
Highly Commended – Jurys Inn Newcastle

Tourism Event of the Year
Gold – Northumbrian Water - Kielder Winter Wonderland
Silver - South Tyneside Council Events Team - South Tyneside Summer Festival
Bronze - The Late Shows - Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums
Bronze - Locomotion, The National Railway Museum at Shildon / Mallard 75 - The Great Goodbye
 
#63 ·
Tourism bosses celebrate as Newcastle named the UK's favourite city

Story picked up by the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/tourism-bosses-celebrate-newcastle-named-8160233
Tourism bosses celebrate as Newcastle named the UK's favourite city
Nov 23, 2014 15:54 By James Harrison



We all knew it from the start, but now it is official - Newcastle is the UK’s favourite city.

Tourism bosses are celebrating after the accolade was handed out at the Guardian’s annual Travel Awards in 2014. It represents a rather abrupt change of heart for the London-based newspaper - which earlier this year labelled the North East “Britain’s Detroit”.

Newcastle beat previous winners Bath and Edinburgh to secure the top spot at the awards on Friday night.

And Sarah Stewart, chief executive at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, which markets the area nationally and internationally, was thrilled. She said: “This is a fantastic result. We’re delighted that Guardian readers have chosen Newcastle as their favourite city. This title helps to reinforce NewcastleGateshead’s growing reputation as a leading city break and demonstrates its ability to punch above its weight.” She added: “This recognition just reinforces what we all already know - that we have a fantastic asset. The mix of vibrant cultural and sporting venues and events, excellent shopping facilities, wide choice of restaurants, bars and hotels and our beautiful quayside and cityscape make this an attractive and enjoyable place to visit for business or pleasure. And the warmth and personality of the place and people undoubtedly helps us to stand out from the competition.”

Read more and see image gallery @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/tourism-bosses-celebrate-newcastle-named-8160233
 
#64 ·
Newcastle Tourism chiefs concerned that Newcastle City Council cuts could impact on work

Nothing decided yet but.........

From today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/concern-newcastle-city-council-cuts-8313146
Newcastle Tourism chiefs concerned that Newcastle City Council cuts could impact on work
Dec 18, 2014 19:00 By Mike Kelly


General View of the Tourist Information Centre, Central Arcade, Newcastle

ourism bosses have expressed their concern about cuts which could impact on their work which has helped establish Newcastle as the UK’s most popular city.

It was only last month it came out top of a national newspaper poll as the favourite destination of its readers, beating the likes of Edinburgh and Bath.

But now, as Newcastle City Council announced how it is to implement £40m worth of cuts, one of the victims is its tourism information centre.

Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive at NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “We are extremely disappointed that, if implemented as proposed, the budget cuts from Newcastle City Council will mean the closure of the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) in the city centre, sadly resulting in a loss of jobs.” She sympathised with council chiefs for having “difficult choices” to make. However Ms Stewart added: “It’s critical that we maintain, wherever possible, our proactive work to market the area nationally and internationally to attract visitors, conferences, events and new investment - work that delivers measurable economic growth for Newcastle and Gateshead. For example, our work has supported the growth of the visitor economy, which is now worth £1.37bn to NewcastleGateshead and our inward investment activity has secured 30 new investments in the past two years, creating 976 jobs.

Meanwhile James Ramsbotham, Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, added: “The tourism industry is increasingly important to the region’s economy. However, nobody should underestimate the challenges facing councils everywhere with the scale of budget cuts across the public sector. It is important that services that promote growth, therefore contributing to sustainable economic development, are protected wherever possible.”

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/concern-newcastle-city-council-cuts-8313146
 
#65 ·
North East tourism industry gets ready for year of bumper growth in 2015

Courtesy of the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/north-east-tourism-industry-gets-8319889
North East tourism industry gets ready for year of bumper growth in 2015
Dec 21, 2014 08:00 By Rachel Wearmouth


Sarah Stewart, chief executive at NewcastleGateshead Initiative

Newcastle is one of the most popular destinations in the UK.

That was the findings of a key survey as the tourism industry prepares for bumper growth in 2015. Visit Britain is forecasting tourism spend will rise by 4.5% next year across the UK with visitors from overseas expected to spend £22.2bn – an increase of almost £1bn on 2014. The upbeat outlook comes after the North East celebrated the best tourism figures since the onset of the 2008 recession this year.

The first six months of 2014 saw the highest number of visitors to this region for five years, with overseas tourists spending £88m here. Now, it is revealed Newcastle sits 19th on Visit Britain’s most popular destinations with overseas travellers. Figures released earlier this year showed spending rose by 25% in the first six months of the year and that people from the Netherlands, Germany and Ireland were the most likely to visit.

Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive of the Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said: “This year, we’ve seen strong growth in the number of international visitors coming to Newcastle and Gateshead and the North East with figures for the first six months of 2014 at the highest levels since 2008; this alongside forecasts for further growth in 2015 from Visit Britain is extremely encouraging, as is their focus for 2015 on encouraging visitors to explore destinations outside of the capital. The North East has particularly strong appeal for international visitors interested in heritage and premier league football – both of which rank highly as reasons for trips to the UK – and it’s great to see that the destination ranks amongst the top 20 most popular cities for global visitors.

Sally Balcombe, Chief Executive of VisitBritain added: “Tourism will continue to be one of the country’s major export earners with VisitBritain playing a critical role in its success. One of our priorities for 2015 will be to inspire international visits to the nations and regions and showcase Britain’s magnificent countryside. Our GREAT campaign continues to produce results and generated at least £1.8 billion from inbound visitors in its first three years, creating economic value and jobs across Britain’s tourism businesses.”

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/north-east-tourism-industry-gets-8319889
 
#66 ·
Top North East tourist attractions receive investment to bring another 150,000 visitors a year

Courtesy of the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/top-north-east-tourist-attractions-8739983
Top North East tourist attractions receive investment to bring another 150,000 visitors a year
21:13, 27 February 2015 By Jonathan Walker


Lindisfarne Castle on Holy Island in Northumberland

The North East’s top tourist attractions have received a boost with the announcement of Government cash designed to help attract thousands of extra visitors.

Lindisfarne Castle, Hadrian’s Wall and the Captain Cook Museum will all benefit from extra funding, George Osborne said. And the Chancellor set a goal of increasing the number of visitors coming to the North East each year by 150,000 people. The announcements are part of the Government’s long-term economic plan for the region, which Mr Osborne set out in a series of visits. An extra £1.2 million will be given to the National Trust to protect Lindisfarne Castle, a 16th-century castle located on Holy Island, near Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland.

There will be £400,000 of funding to promote tourism around Hadrian’s Wall, the second-century wall running south of the border with Scotland, to ensure dedicated bus services are able to continue improving access to the World Heritage Site and its attractions.

A further £500,000 will allow a new section of Hadrian’s Wall to be displayed to the public along with the recently discovered nearby Roman bath house at Wallsend, North Tyneside.

And £500,000 will be available for the creation of a new interactive exhibition at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Middlesbrough, to create a new interactive exhibition offering a wide range of educational and visitor experiences.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/top-north-east-tourist-attractions-8739983
 
#69 ·
Former Beamish apprentice and Matfen Hall among big winners at VisitEngland tourism awards

From today's Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/former-beamish-apprentice-matfen-hall-9234398
Former Beamish apprentice and Matfen Hall among big winners at VisitEngland tourism awards
10:38, 12 May 2015 By Michael Brown


Ahead of the VisitEngland awards at the Sage Gateshead, James Berresford and Lady Cobham join Executive head chef Hrishikesh Desai and apprentice chef's

A former apprentice at Beamish Museum in County Durham has picked up his prize after being named the nation’s “Tourism Superstar” by VisitEngland.

Matthew Henderson was named the country’s unsung holiday hero after polling more than a third of the public votes earlier in the year. And on Monday night the 20-year-old joined other North East winners in Matfen Hall and The World of James Herriot in his award for tourism at a glitzy ceremony at the Sage Gateshead.

“I honestly cannot believe it,” said the engagement and participation team assistant, who started work at Beamish on a six week placement from his college before being offered a two year apprenticeship. I love working at Beamish and have learned so much from the Beamish team who all work hard to ensure everybody who visits has the best day out possible - so winning this award is a credit to them too. The support from everyone has been amazing but I never expected to win. I am so grateful to everyone who voted - thank you so much, it’s unbelievable.”

According to VisitEngland tourism is a growing industry in the North East, with it now the fourth largest part of the region’s economy, generating £3.6bn a year, accounting for 10% of all businesses in Newcastle and Gateshead, and supporting 54,000 jobs - figures only likely to increase further with the Rugby World Cup, which is set to visit Newcastle United’s St James’ Park for three matches in September.

It will also be helped by the likes of Matfen Hall Hotel, Golf Course & Spa in Northumberland, which was awarded VisitEngland’s Best Large Hotel of the Year title, and The World of James Herriot in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, which took the Best Small Visitor Attraction prize.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/former-beamish-apprentice-matfen-hall-9234398
 
#70 ·
Northumberland in top five national parks in world thanks to magazine Condé Nast Traveller

Courtesy of the Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/north-e...orthumberland-top-five-national-parks-9315376
Northumberland in top five national parks in world thanks to magazine Condé Nast Traveller
20:00, 22 May 2015 By Tony Henderson



Northumberland has been rated as one of the world’s top five national parks. The accolade has come from top world travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller.

The 400 square miles of the park is home to the Hadrian’s Wall world heritage site, and is a Gold Tier International Dark Sky Park.

A spokesperson from Condé Nast Traveller said: “England’s northern most and least populated national park encompasses more than rolling moorlands – the UNESCO World Heritage site also contains a section of Roman Emperor Hadrian’s legendary wall.” The other parks in its top five are Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales, Gran Paradiso National Park in Italy, Pirin National Park in Bulgaria and Greece’s Olympus National Park.

Chief executive of Northumberland National Park Authority, Tony Gates, said: “This is a remarkable achievement and we’re delighted to be ranked top of Condé Nast Traveller’s best national parks in the world. It was truly a ‘wow’ moment when we realised that our park had been ranked alongside the likes of the amazing Olympic National Park in Greece and Gran Paradiso in Italy. It is our hope that this international recognition will really help to put Northumberland National Park on the map and attract more visitors to our stunning destination. The diversity we have on offer in the park is incredible. You can go from walking in the footsteps of the Romans, to stepping further back in time at Iron Age hillforts; taking in the panoramic views into Scotland from the Border Ridge to sampling the local produce and crafts of the Park’s many skilled artisans. Whatever you’re looking for – whether flora, fauna, countryside activities, history, culture including the distinctive Northumbrian music and dialect or simply just somewhere to escape from it all – we have it in abundance.”

The praise for Northumberland National Park comes after a string of recent developments, designed to make the park more accessible to visitors around the region and beyond. These include another global initiative – the Google Trekker project. The NNPA team and volunteers have access to special Google Trekker equipment this month to capture the park’s remote locations.

Read more and see image gallery @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/north-e...orthumberland-top-five-national-parks-9315376
 
#71 ·
Port of Tyne cruise passengers rate North East's heritage and natural beauty

Courtesy of the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/port-tyne-cruise-passengers-rate-9343266
Port of Tyne cruise passengers rate North East's heritage and natural beauty
08:14, 28 May 2015 By Tony Henderson


Alnwick Castle by David Skelly

The heritage and natural beauty of the North East are the big pull for thousands of passengers on cruise ships visiting the River Tyne.

New research shows that the Alnwick Castle and The Alnwick Garden, Durham City, the castles of Northumberland, Hadrian’s Wall and Durham Castle and Cathedral, and other attractions are feeling the benefits of a flood of visitors from the number of cruise ships calling at the Port of Tyne. Also in the visitors’ top ten excursions were Newcastle city centre, Beamish Museum, Holy Island and the Durham Dales – all listed as “must see” places by the Port’s cruise passengers.

Last year the port welcomed around 50,000 cruise passengers to enjoy the region’s countryside and coastline, visit cultural landmarks and tourism sites. Voted Best Port of Call 2012 for cruise passengers, the Port of Tyne is becoming one of the UK’s most popular cruise ports and this year will see operators including Fred. Olsen and Cruise and Maritime Voyages operate transit calls as well as extend their outbound destinations to include St. Petersburg, Morocco, Spain, and the Azores. Last year the total visitor numbers arriving via cruise and ferry was over 620,000 - adding around £55m to the regional economy and supporting over 2,000 tourism-related jobs. In 2015 the Port will see 27 calls from international cruise lines attracted by the award-winning International Passenger Terminal and the port’s ability to handle 95% of the global cruise fleet, including vessels up to 300m in length.

Andrew Moffat, Port of Tyne chief executive officer, said: “We are delighted that our partnership with cruise lines and tourism agencies is having such a positive impact and bringing more visitors into the region. The economic impact benefits our whole region from large attractions through to hotels and small businesses such as restaurants, bars and travel agencies”.

David Hawke, head of visitor attraction at Alnwick Castle, said :“We are very pleased but not surprised to see Alnwick Castle rated one of the region’s top attractions by cruise passengers. We pride ourselves on offering something for everyone, from the heritage and history of the castle and its many attractions through to the contemporary setting of The Alnwick Garden. Visitors, particularly those from outside the UK, are keen to see it for themselves. We see a healthy spend per visitor which rises year on year and this is good news for us, the businesses we support, and the region as a whole.”

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/port-tyne-cruise-passengers-rate-9343266
 
#72 ·
Music tourism is providing a £78m boost to the North East economy

Courtesy of the Journal Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/music-tourism-providing-78m-boost-9485441
Music tourism is providing a £78m boost to the North East economy
19:03, 18 June 2015 By Graeme Whitfield


John Whittingdale

When American rock band Foo Fighters played at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light last month, a few unexpected guests joined the ardent fans.

When senior figures at the North East Chamber of Commerce and the North East LEP – not people you’d normally guess were fans of grunge – were the next day enthusing about the Foos, the signs were there that music is now not just for enjoyment, but also big business.

UK Music, an umbrella body for the British music industry, has attempted to measure just how much music means to the North East in monetary terms in its Wish You Were Here 2015 report - and those figures are not small According to the report, £78m was generated by what it calls “music tourism” in the North East in 2014, out of a total of £3.1bn nationally. Some 361,000 from outside the region attended music events in the North East the year and 624 full-time jobs were supported by the industry, while overseas visitors coming to the region for music events spent an average of £648.

“More international music tourists are coming to the UK and more Brits are travelling further afield to gigs,” said Andy Heath, chairman of UK Music. The average spend by international music tourists has increased by 13% during this period, while the total exports have grown by less than 2%. If we want an export-led recovery, we need music tourists to keep coming to the UK.”

Those words were echoed by Culture Secretary John Whittingdale, who said: “It’s fantastic news that our music industry drew in 9.5m tourists last year but it’s no surprise. British music is legendary around the world and continues to go from strength to strength, with UK artists now accounting for one in seven albums sold worldwide. Festivals like Glastonbury hold an iconic status on the world music scene and are one of the reasons why international tourism is booming in the UK, drawing in streams of visitors to all parts of the country.

Read more @ http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/music-tourism-providing-78m-boost-9485441
 
#73 ·
North East tourism businesses to drive more visitors with new German partnership

Courtesy of Bdaily @ https://bdaily.co.uk/environment/13...ve-more-visitors-with-new-german-partnership/
North East tourism businesses to drive more visitors with new German partnership
Jamie Hardesty 13 Jul 2015


Northern Secrets’ Alex Jacobs

Tourism businesses in North East England are hoping to attract more European visitors after partnering with a local German speaking Blue Badge Guide, at one of Europe’s most influential tourism trade shows being held in Germany this summer.

Alex Jacobs will represent some of the region’s top attractions such as Alnwick Castle, Alnwick Garden, Beamish, Bede’s World, DFDS Seaways, Durham Cathedral, Durham University Attractions, Ford & Etal, Hadrian’s Wall Roman Army Museum & Vindolanda, Sunderland and accommodation providers at RDA, the leading international trade-only exhibition for the coach tourism sector between 20 and 23 July.

Alex Jacobs is a Blue Badge Guide for and has been bringing trips and tours to North East England from Europe since 2008. Alex is bi-lingual and has lived and worked in both Germany and the UK but it is his passion for this region, North East England, where he grew up that drives his business.

Established in 2008 Northern Secrets is a small tour company based in Newcastle that specialises in trips and tours to Northern Britain. Bringing over 7000 people to the region every year it provides quality bespoke group holidays. It aims to not only bring people to the region but to let them really experience the north east. Northern Secrets has been operating since 2008 and provides personalised and bespoke quality tours around northern Britain including Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire and North East England.

Alex Jacobs, director of Northern Secrets said, “According to RDA in Germany there are 19.4 million bus and coach holidays taken by German people every year, with a value of over 10 billion euros. And two-thirds of these trips are to destinations outside of Germany. We already know that North East England is already a popular destination for German holidaymakers with 56,000 visiting every year. We see the german coach market as an area that we can grow for tourism businesses in North East England. Within the group travel market there is still a strong demand for suppliers and buyers to meet face-to-face to do business. It is important that the north east is on show so it can welcome more tourists and by working with and being able to highlight just how many amazing attractions North East England has at the show, we hope that is something we will achieve.“
 
#74 ·
North East has second highest visitor growth in the country, leaving London trailing

Courtesy of the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/whats-on/travel-tourism/north-east-second-highest-visitor-9804520
North East has second highest visitor growth in the country, leaving London trailing
15:45, 6 August 2015 By Barbara Hodgson



The North East is pulling in an ever-increasing number of tourists with new figures revealing the region has the second biggest growth in the country.

VisitEngland’s news that we are enjoying a higher than the national average boom in visitor numbers has met with delight. Its newly-released Annual Attractions Survey shows that business is picking up across the country with a “healthy” four per cent increase in the total number of visits to regional attractions in 2014. But while all regions are enjoying a rise in visitor numbers, the North East is experiencing “above average” growth of seven per cent.

Sarah Stewart, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, welcomed the results as “really encouraging”. She said top crowd-pullers range from Housesteads Roman Fort on the Roman Wall to National Glass Centre in Sunderland as the region gears up for another boost this year from the upcoming Rugby World Club.

The region is topped only by the East of England, with 10 per cent, while the North West comes in third place with six per cent. The traditional tourist hot-spot of London, whose Tower of London remains the most-visited attraction, has dropped below average. While the capital has seen an increase in visitor numbers it is below the national average at two per cent.

Star attractions in 2014 which saw the highest rises in visitor numbers:

Paid-for

Bamburgh Castle: up 15.3%
Housesteads Roman Fort: 13.9%
Beamish: 11.7%

Free
National Glass Centre: 57.9%
Great North Museum: Hancock: 16.5%
Hatton Gallery: 29.1%

Other most-popular venues are Gibside with 40,00 more visitors than 2013; and Bodyworlds exhibition at Life Science Centre which helped contribute to a 20% growth in visitor numbers.
 
#75 ·
Four North East attractions have been awarded VisitEngland tourism accolades

Courtesy of the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/four-north-east-attractions-been-9852654
Four North East attractions have been awarded VisitEngland tourism accolades
18:30, 13 August 2015 By Tony Henderson


Vindolanda

VisitBritain awards joy for Vindolanda, the Greenhead Roman Army Museum, Beamish and Raby Castle. Four North East attractions have been awarded national tourism accolades in recognition of the quality of their visitor experiences.

In a national list of 17 VisitEngland Accolades, awards have been given to Vindolanda Roman fort and its nearby sister site, the Roman Army Museum at Greenhead in Northumberland, Beamish Museum, and Raby Castle in County Durham.

Raby received a gold award for across-the-board excellence, with Beamish and Vindolanda earning recognition in the Best Told Story category, and the Roman Army Museum rewarded in the Welcome section.

Introduced by VisitEngland last year, the accolades are available to attractions that are part of the Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme and are allocated through a scoring system based on an annual assessment by VisitEngland.

James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland said: “We know that England has a fantastic range of standout product which generates high levels of satisfaction for visitors. These attractions have succeeded in receiving an accolade either for their warm welcome, unique storytelling or high-quality food and drink; ensuring an all-round quality experience for visitors.”

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/four-north-east-attractions-been-9852654
 
#76 ·
How Northumberland's businesses are capitalising on astrotourism

Courtesy of the Chronicle Live, copyright NCJMedia Ltd @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...-businesses-capitalising-astrotourism-9906129
How Northumberland's businesses are capitalising on astrotourism
]18:18, 21 August 2015 By Tom Keighley



Tourists in search of celestial satisfaction are coming to Northumberland in droves, and the region’s businesses are reaping the rewards.

Building observatories in the back garden, handing out telescopes to guests and hosting star gazing parties are just some of ways in which Northumberland’s hospitality sector is going interstellar.

It’s been almost two years since Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park was bestowed with dark sky status by The International Dark Skies Association. At the time, businesses were encouraged to grab the opportunity with both hands, and many have done just that.

The Battlesteads hotel and restaurant in the village of Wark has become what is believed to be the first UK hotel to boast its own on-site observatory. Owner Richard Slade has developed the attraction – due to officially open in October – as part of a joint venture with Astro Ventures, a Gateshead-based company. Mr Slade said: “We’d always run star gazing nights and this is taking it to the next level. We’re expecting families and school parties to the observatory, it’s going to give the business a new dimension.” The south facing observatory, built on land next to the venue, features a roof which rolls off to reveal the glittering canopy above along with robotic telescopes and an indoor planetarium. There is space for around 25 budding or seasoned astronomers to use the observatory’s facilities, and guests of the hotel are free to take a look at any time of the night.

Astro Ventures is run by Roy Alexander, a former science teacher and amateur astronomer, who realised a demand for star gazing activities in the North East having run his own events in campsites and village halls. He said: “We’ve just converted to a community interest company, which is a really important part of the project. I see a lot of really disadvantaged kids who could benefit from having access to something like this. The trouble with some observatories is that you need a car and the means to get there. We want to provide something a bit nearer for families in Newcastle and Gateshead. We’re talking with schools and colleges at the moment, one of which is interested in running an “astro GCSE”. There’s also a big sustainability element to the observatory and we’ll be getting 18 to 25 year-old disenfranchised youths involved with activities on that side.

Read more @ http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news...-businesses-capitalising-astrotourism-9906129
 
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