This is an open call is for organisations with an idea for a product or service, that uses immersive and/or 5G technologies. Funded by the North East Combined Authority and built in partnership with Destination North East England, this challenge aims to make the North East of England more inclusive and accessible for visitors by harnessing cutting-edge technologies and game-changing solutions,
Tourism is a vital part of the North East’s cultural and economic landscape, attracting millions of visitors to iconic places like UNESCO world-heritage site Hadrian’s Wall and Hollywood filming location Alnwick Castle. Yet, challenges persist in accessibility for those with disabilities, the region’s adaptability to weather and climate change, and inclusivity for visitors without access to personal technology.
Destination North East England, the country’s first Destination Development Partnership has ambitions to double the value of the region’s visitor economy and become one of Europe’s most accessible and inclusive destinations. By harnessing technology and through the development partnership’s Everybody Welcome programme of business support, the region stands to benefit greatly from the more than £14.6 billion spent annually on tourism trips in England by those with an impairment or disability.
Twelve successful organisations will be invited to join the challenge to bring their solutions to life. This cohort will gain access to a private 5G testbed, ground-breaking immersive equipment, and will enjoy free coworking at the 5G Immersive Lab, providing a collaborative environment to develop ideas. Businesses will also benefit from industry-leading guidance, hands-on support from accessibility and digital experts, growth, development, investment readiness support and networking opportunities.
This 10-week programme kicks off in January 2025 and at the end of the programme businesses will get to showcase their pioneering solutions at a leading industry conference packed full of regional visitor economy business and delegates and speakers from across the globe. This will take place during English Tourism Week (14-23 March 2025).
Solutions should seek to address a challenge that hasn’t already been solved or increase adoption of existing technology. It should leverage 5G and immersive technologies that will break down accessibility barriers, encouraging visitors to deepen their engagement with the sector, whether by returning frequently, staying overnight, or extending their visit to explore more of the region.
This “All Access Pass" programme invites those working within the visitor economy to collaborate with industry leaders, push boundaries, and develop pioneering solutions for the tourism industry, to ultimately ensure everybody feels welcome in North East England.
We are delighted to support this innovation challenge that aims to transform the visitor experience for the millions of visitors who come to experience our region every year. Destination North East England's goal of doubling the value of the visitor economy over the next 10 years can only be achieved if we harness technology and innovation to grow in a way that leaves a positive impact on our people, places and planet. The North East 's reputation as a welcoming place, combined with our innovative and industrious nature leaves us with no doubt that the solutions developed on this programme will be transformative for our residents, visitors and for the region's economy.
We are calling on innovative thinkers across the region to shape the future of inclusive tourism in the North East. Creating a more inclusive tourism sector isn’t just important—it’s essential. With access to 5G and immersive technologies, we have an unparalleled opportunity to ensure that tourism is an accessible experience that everyone can enjoy.
We are delighted to support the 5G Immersive Lab on this business challenge to help find innovative solutions for our visitor economy. Our teams have been involved from the start, collaborating with industry and our partners throughout the process, making sure it addresses some of the challenges that our businesses are facing. “This challenge aligns perfectly our ambitions to double the size of our visitor economy and make our region one of the most inclusive destinations in the world. We want more and more visitors from across the globe to visit our region, staying longer and experiencing everything we have to offer. This challenge is so important for our region, our businesses and everyone who visits. “We look forward to watching these ideas develop and seeing these pioneering solutions showcased at a leading industry conference, attract speakers and delegates from across the UK, Europe and beyond.
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