Tourism businesses across the North East are being offered workshops to help them create ‘unforgettable experiences’ for visitors.
The New Adventures Campaign, launched last week, is funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority and being delivered on their behalf by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, North Tyneside Council and Visit Northumberland as part of their £3.5m Tourism and Events Programme. The project is designed to bring together new and existing tourism products and market them under three distinct campaign strands of Active Pursuits, Food and Drink, and Winter Escapes, with the aim of tapping into new markets or expanding on existing consumer bases.
Businesses are being offered the choice of two Experience Maker Workshops led by Experiential Tourism Advisor Chris Brant from Unmissable England. Brant aims to provide expert practical advice and guidance to create experiences that tell the story of people and place, giving visitors memorable travel adventures that are personal, engage the senses and make connections on an emotional level.
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Chris Brant, Director and Experiential Tourism Advisor at Unmissable England, said: “No longer do visitors just want to see the sights when they visit a place. They’re looking for authentic guided experiences that connect them with the locals and the places they know best.
“Visitors want to be captivated by fascinating stories and go well beyond the tourist trail. They want to immerse themselves in local history and heritage and leave with a better understanding of the places they have experienced.
“I can’t wait to see what new visitor experiences are developed by local businesses!”
What do you think is the best tourism experience in the North East? Let us know in the comments below!
Ian Thomas, Destination Director at NGI, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the diversity of experiences that visitors can take part in when they come to our region and to develop new and innovative ones with local SMEs. Driving visitor numbers and footfall is crucial in our economic recovery, and this campaign will demonstrate the North East’s unique offer as a destination.”
A spokesperson for the North of Tyne Combined Authority said: “This campaign will build on our growing reputation and bookable product offering for active pursuits, food and drink and winter escapes in the North of Tyne.
“This will support SMEs through the challenging period of October to March, equipping them the skills and practical tools they need to bring new products to market and to attract new audiences. As well as supporting the tourism sector to thrive, this initiative will play a pivotal role in inspiring more visitors to stay longer, do more and spend more.”
The workshops will take place on Tuesday May 10 at The Common Room on Westgate Road to Newcastle from 10am – 1pm or Wednesday May 11 at Linden Hall Hotel from 10am – 1pm. For more information and to book a workshop, click here.
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