New board to drive tourism in Tees Valley

An initiative has launched to boost Tees Valley’s visitor economy.

Tees Valley Combined Authority has formed a dedicated tourism board to support growth in a sector that already welcomes 20 million visitors annually, employs 10,000 people and generates £1.3 billion for the local economy.

Chaired by Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and backed by the Tees Valley Business Board, the group includes representatives from organisations such as British Cycling, Teesside University, Middlesbrough Football Club, the National Trust and local hospitality businesses.

Mayor Houchen said: “With our stunning coastline, superb attractions and brilliant businesses, we know our region is a fantastic place for people to visit, relax and spend money.

“Tourism is hugely important to our economy and in 2023 we saw a £1.3 billion economic boost from the sector and – with the help of the expertise we have assembled in our new board – we will now being working hard to rapidly increase this further.”

Board members met for the first time at Hopetown, in Darlington, on March 19, coinciding with English Tourism Week. 

This was followed by a wider networking event attended by more than 90 local tourism businesses, providing the opportunity for business leaders across the sector to offer their views.

Shuhel Ahmed, board member and director of Darlington restaurant Babul's, added: “We’re in a little bit of a triangle of tourist hotspots as a region with Durham, York and Scarborough, and Tees Valley in the middle. 

“There are a lot of attractions near us, so it’s looking at what our region can do. 

“If we can raise the awareness of Tees Valley, it boosts my business and everyone’s businesses.

“I grew up in the Tees Valley, went to school in Darlington and university in Middlesbrough, and I’ve seen the difference and change since then.

“With the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, this place has the potential to bring in international tourists – but it’s also a case of looking within our region and getting people in Middlesbrough to go to Darlington and vice-versa.

“It’s looking at it internationally, regionally and locally.”

The establishment of the board comes after Tees Valley secured Local Visitor Economy Partnership status in 2024, aligning it with national tourism hotspots and strengthening ties with VisitEngland and VisitBritain.

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