Find out more Destination North East England's role and purpose.
Doubling the size of the visitor economy in ten years
A regional partnership
This regional collaboration will unlock the huge potential of the region’s visitor economy by developing a 10-year strategy which aims to double the size of the region’s visitor economy by 2033. This could support the provision of more than 25,000 new jobs in the sector. This is an incredible opportunity to grow the visitor economy in the North East of England and develop our regional eco-system. The work of Destination North East England provides cross-regional support to all seven local authority areas, giving the visitor economy a voice, national influence and international amplification.
The North East of England
A region rich in contemporary culture, historic sites, world heritage sites and dramatic landscapes. Tourism is the fourth largest sector in the North East and is England’s third largest employer. The visitor economy in the North East is worth £5.4bn, supporting more than 58,000 jobs.
Despite this, our region still receives the lowest number of domestic and international visitors and the lowest amount of spend of any region in England.
Supporting Industry
Through a regional programme of activity will aim to support existing and new tourism businesses across the whole geography of the North East to grow their customer base; to innovate, attracting new and different audiences; and to be more productive, making them more profitable and resilient.
This funding will develop the regional tourism eco-system through:
- Product development and innovation
- Skills coordination
- Sectoral business support / engagement
- Regenerative tourism (accessibility, sustainability and inclusivity)
- Business events & Travel Trade
Untapped potential
The untapped potential is huge, and the North East of England has the diversity of city, coast and countryside. By working collaboratively, we are in a prime position to increase visitor numbers, visitor spend and attract further investment.
Destination North East England will deliver activities that support industry to remain sustainable, competitive, and responsive to challenges such as boosting skills, accessibility, sustainability and levelling up.
We have an outstanding tourism offer and world-renowned welcome. We are committed to maximising the potential of our incredible region, boosting our local economy, and creating jobs and opportunity for all.
Partnership work has been a key factor in the North East’s success – regionally, nationally, and internationally. We are such a spectacular region and working in partnership with public and private sector partners will help us to further develop our tourism offer, attract investment, and realise the huge untapped potential that exists here.
