Member Article

North East tourism businesses to drive more visitors with new German partnership

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.

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.”

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.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →