The North East has been chosen to pilot a £2.25 million scheme to restructure destination management organisations (DMOs).
NewcastleGateshead Initiative will lead the government investment pilot in partnership with Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham to drive visitors to the region. The partnership will receive £2.25 million to help successfully
develop and market the region as a must-visit destination for both business and leisure while attracting
further private investment and driving growth.
The scheme was launched after a report by Nick du Bois, chair of the
British Tourist Authority, found that the destination management organisation
(DMOs) landscape was ‘fragmented’ which caused confusion for overseas
visitors trying to plan a trip or event in the UK.
The Government plans to streamline the dozens of destination
management organisations that currently promote the UK on the global stage with
plans to give accreditation and funding to a small number of DMOs in each part
of the country.
It’s hoped that DMOs in the North East will be able to build on
existing assets such as the region’s Unesco world heritage sites, the
Northumberland dark skies forest and the county’s beaches and National Park.
Tourism Minister Stuart Andrew said: “From Hadrian’s Wall to
Durham Cathedral and the bright lights of Newcastle, the North East has much to
offer tourists from around the world, but we want to go further and attract
even more visitors.
“We are looking at what more we can do to streamline the way the
region’s tourism bodies work together, improve the region’s offer and the way
it markets itself.
“With £2.25m in funding, we hope the North East can be a pioneer
for other areas in unlocking its potential and putting its best foot forward.”
Sarah Green, CEO of the NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: “As
the first Destination Development Partnership, we will work with our partners
in Visit County Durham and Visit Northumberland to ensure the tourism sector is
supported and grows across all seven local authorities in the region. Our region
will act as a blueprint for the rest of England.
“From Auckland Castle to Alnwick Gardens, from dark skies to
sparkly venues, from fish and chips to fine dining – the aim of this
partnership is to provide an inclusive welcome for all, attracting more international
and domestic visitors with a fantastic regional offer and visitor experience.”
You can read du Bois’ report here
and the government’s response to the report which led to the scheme here.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
