Member Article

Three-way partnership brokered to promote North East overseas

VisitBritain, Newcastle Airport and NewcastleGateshead Initiative have announced a partnership to promote the North East of England to overseas visitors.

The three-year partnership will focus on driving more visitors to explore the diverse culture and heritage of NewcastleGateshead and the surrounding areas.

In year one, the initiative will target visitors from Germany, highlighting the direct flights from Berlin to Newcastle Airport, and profiling Great Exhibition of the North as a reason to travel in 2018.

The partnership is also working with local destination management organisations, Northumberland Tourism and Visit County Durham, and tourism colleagues at Sunderland City Council, North Tyneside Council, South Tyneside Council and the Tees Valley Combined Authority, to develop bookable itineraries showcasing the region’s varied tourism product.

VisitBritain Commercial Director Carol Dray said: “We are pleased to be working together to promote the North East to an international audience. Increasing regional connectivity not only makes it easier for visitors to see more of Britain, it boosts economic growth, further cementing tourism as one of the UK’s most valuable export industries.”

Chief Executive at NewcastleGateshead Initiative Sarah Stewart said: “We’re delighted to have brokered this three-way partnership which will strengthen our ongoing work to inspire and attract visitors from key markets.

“Importantly, our plans for initial campaign activity next spring will support work to promote the Great Exhibition of the North to international audiences and provide a really compelling reason to travel here in 2018.

“Collaborating with colleagues at Newcastle Airport and across the North East, the partnership will also support product development and provide greater profile for our regional tourism assets.”

Chief Executive at Newcastle International Airport Nick Jones said: “We are delighted to team up with VisitBritain and NGI, with the support of other partners, to help promote our fantastic region to overseas markets.

“A number of air routes that operate from Newcastle Airport have the potential to bring tourists in. By growing inbound numbers we will not only further strengthen the routes themselves, but also boost the North East economy.”