Make tourism and events work for people and the planet. View and download our Regenerative Visitor Economy Framework here.
A first of its kind framework
In partnership with the Global Destination Sustainability Movement, Destination North East England has delivered a first-of-its-kind, world-leading Regenerative Visitor Economy Framework that will support our visitor economy to work together to co-create sustainable and circular strategies and develop mindsets and skillsets that enable destinations and communities to thrive and regenerate.
This framework is one of the most ambitious regenerative tourism projects globally and provides the most complete set of guidelines that exist at time of publication.
Who are GDS-Movement?
GDS-Movement is a pioneering, international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions. They envision thriving places and communities activated by regenerative tourism and events. They support destinations to create thriving and resilient places to visit, meet and live.
What is regenerative tourism?
Regenerative tourism actions and interventions support our industry to make our destination more accessible, inclusive and sustainable. It ensures tourism is sustainable, driving value for local people and places as well as the tourist.
Why create a framework?
In recent years, the role of destination management organisations has expanded beyond attracting visitors to drive economic growth, towards being a catalyst for social and environmental development.
This transformation is significant in North East England, a region celebrated for its natural beauty, cultural heritage and vibrant communities. As the North East grows in prominence as a visitor destination, it has become essential to develop a framework that not only promotes the visitor economy but also ensures its long-term viability and benefits for communities, businesses and the environment.
What is it?
Endorsed by our region's leaders and the public sector, this framework sets out a shared understanding for regenerative tourism in North East England. A tool to empower the public sector, Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) and other organisations engaged in destination management and tourism, to drive economic growth, address North East England’s challenges, generate social benefits and improve the environment for future generations.
- Provides a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable tourism development.
- Harnesses the potential of tourism and events to drive economic growth and enhance the well-being of our residents.
- Includes steps to support regenerative tourism development when integrated into visitor economy strategies, plans and funding streams.
Who is it for?
This framework has been developed and delivered by the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDS-Movement) on behalf of Destination North East England. It has been co-created with industry for Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs), local authority tourism teams, and other organisations engaged in destination management, to inform and guide development strategies that will support the visitor economy on its regenerative journey.
Ambitions to double the size of the visitor economy
Our visitor economy makes a huge contribution to our regional economy, directly and through our local supply chain. Beyond its economic contributions, tourism enriches local amenities and services, fostering community pride, and adding vibrancy, sustainability and vitality to the region - enhancing our appeal as a place to live, invest, study and visit.
The untapped potential is significant and together as a region we have ambitions to double the size of our visitor economy by 2034 – however, we must ensure this works for both our planet and our people.
