Delivery Team and Partners

As the national tourism agency – a non-departmental public body funded by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS), VisitBritain/VisitEngland plays a unique role raising Britain’s profile worldwide, increasing the volume and value of tourism exports and developing England and Britain’s visitor economy.

NewcastleGateshead Initiative is a destination and inward investment agency that delivers for Newcastle, Gateshead, and the wider region. They are the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for both Newcastle and Gateshead.

Every single one of their projects is dedicated to making a lasting social and economic impact. As drivers and enablers of economic growth, they champion the destinations offer on a world stage and maximise impact through their public and private sector partnerships.

They promote the distinctiveness of our region, its culture, and its people to create an authentic voice to stand out from the crowd. They work across key growth sectors and use insight and intelligence to drive innovation, inward investment, and business growth. In addition, they attract world class conferences that reinforce sector strengths and the strategic importance of tourism.

They exist to benefit the people of NewcastleGateshead and the wider region, leaving a legacy and meeting the needs of future generations. They play a part in delivering the regions sustainable and inclusive ambitions, creating a world class distinctive destination to enjoy, stay and invest.

Visit County Durham is the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for County Durham working on behalf of businesses and public agencies, we came into being on 1 April 2006.

Our purpose is to provide strategic added value, coordination and leadership for tourism activity and the visitor economy in the county, working in partnership with VisitEngland and VisitBritain, the public and private sectors, and visitor economy businesses. We perform the roles of destination management, destination marketing and place marketing, delivering Durham County Council’s tourism services. We are supported by a private, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, with a board of directors.

Visit County Durham assists the county to fulfil its potential as one of North East England’s lead destinations, attracting visitors to the region from across the UK and from target overseas markets. Our objective is to ensure that the visitor economy performs to its maximum potential and brings economic benefits to the county, creating jobs and opportunities for residents, and supporting the creation of great places for communities and business to thrive. Our broad aims are to attract people to the county by raising its profile and appeal, and to provide visitors with the best possible experience.

Visit Northumberland is the Destination Management Organisation for Northumberland, working closely with Northumberland County Council and tourism businesses to ensure visitors receive the best possible experience www.northumberlandtourism.org.uk. Visit Northumberland is the official visitor information website for Northumberland. Find accommodation, attractions, events and things to do in Northumberland.

MySunderland is Sunderland’s tourism platform delivered by Sunderland City Council and its partners to communicate the vibrant visitor experience, prolific business opportunities and what it's like to work, study and live in the city. The City Council is leading a programme of regeneration in the city centre, starting with Riverside Sunderland, a new urban quarter that extends from the former Vaux Brewery site to Sheepfolds on the north-side of the river.

A new 450-seat auditorium has been built in the city centre, standing in Sunderland’s Minster Quarter, a stunning music and arts venue for the city and its visitors to enjoy, while the 120-room Holiday Inn Hotel on Keel Square includes active spaces on the ground floor, which will introduce new places to eat and drink.

And more is planned, including Culture House, nestled on the edge of Keel Square, where people will be inspired by digitally powered displays and interactive exhibitions, and Sheepfolds Stables, a leisure hub that has a range of independent eateries, bars and restaurants under one roof.

At MySunderland, they are proud to call their city their home. A collaborative city and space which welcomes people from all over the world to invest, transform and enjoy life in Sunderland. They are passionate about their history and are transforming the city to become the ultimate urban centre for future-living.

South Tyneside is one of the 36 Metropolitan Unitary Councils in England and serves over 150,000 residents. South Tyneside MBC is the lead authority for Newcastle International Airport on behalf of the majority shareholders ‘LA7’ and leads on the £9bn Tyne and Wear Local Government Pension Fund.

Visit South Tyneside is the Council’s visitor information website, which highlights and promotes South Tyneside’s tourism offer – covering the towns of South Shields, Hebburn and Jarrow and the villages of Boldon, Cleadon and Whitburn.

The North of Tyne Combined Authority is a partnership of three local authorities: Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland and a directly elected Metro Mayor. Their Mayor, Jamie Driscoll, was elected as the first ever Mayor for the North of Tyne Combined Authority in May 2019. Together with the six local authority Cabinet members, he is accountable for the Combined Authority's activity. Their vision is of a dynamic and more inclusive economy, one that brings together people and opportunities to create vibrant communities and a high quality of life, narrowing inequalities and ensuring that all residents have a stake in our region's future.

Established in April 2014 bringing together the seven councils which serve County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland. By the Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2018 the boundaries of NECA were changed on the 2 November 2018.

As a result of these governance changes the boundaries of NECA now cover the Local Authorities of Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland. Their ambition is to create the best possible conditions for growth in jobs, investment and living standards, making the North East an excellent place to live and work.