Member Article

Discover Tees Valley initiative to grow North East tourism

A new digital initiative, Discover Tees Valley, has been launched to change perceptions of Tees Valley, with an aim to bring more tourism and growth to the region.

Founded by Michael Janes, Mark Burton and Carl Quartermain, the digital platform is a private sector led Community Interest Company (CIC), part of the destination management arm of the Tees Valley Tourism Alliance.

Plans are being set in motion to raise the profile of Tees Valley nationally and even internationally to encourage more tourism with the state of the art website.

The site aims to generate interest in Tees Valley attractions by promoting the beauty of the area, encouraging economic growth by featuring business and community directories, as well as regular networking events for businesses.

The digital space will welcome members and will appoint ambassadors whose vision and passion align with those of Discover Tees Valley.

Individuals and groups can contribute to the website through blogs, features, opportunities, photography and reviews from within their own community.

Managing director of Discover Tees Valley, Michael Janes, said: “We’re very passionate about Tees Valley, and we’re tired of hearing about how it is the worst place to live.

“By making changes through digital media and promoting the beautiful parts of the area, we can certainly change people’s perceptions.

“A picture paints a thousand words.

“If we all band together as a community, we can make a real difference.”

Finance director of Discover Tees Valley, Mark Burton, said: “We cannot wait for the public sector to put Tees Valley tourism onto the agenda.”

Director of communications, Carl Quartermain, said: “We’re encouraging other businesses and communities to join the initiative and work holistically so we can all make a real difference to the tourism opportunities in the area.

“This way we can all benefit.”