Enjoying brunch and the views from the top of Newcastle's Monument, paddle-boarding in the North Sea and tours of the 1,900 year old Hadrian's Wall are just some of the incredible experiences people can enjoy when visiting the North East.
However, until now it's been hard to find all the incredible experiences the region has offer in one place. A new campaign and website is seeking to change that, showcasing the best the region has to offer in terms of tourism, with the aim of increasing visitor numbers.
New Adventures brings together products and experiences from Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland and focuses on active pursuits, food and drink and winter escapes in its new website. It is the first time that visitors have been able to book a range of experiences in the region from just one website, and as long as it's within a three-hour drive of Newcastle, it'll be on the site.
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The campaign has been funded by the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) and is being delivered by NewcastleGateshead Initiative in partnership with Visit Northumberland and North Tyneside Council. Aimed at not only reaching new audiences, but also demonstrating that the North East is a year-round destination, it also hopes to give local businesses another route to market their experiences.
The new website, newadventures.org.uk also gives suggestions for multi-day itineraries in Newcastle and the North East, while guided bike rides, microlight lessons, and falconry days are also up for exploring. Sarah Green, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative said: "This is a really exciting step forward for tourism businesses in Newcastle, Northumberland and North Tyneside.
"Never before have consumers, wanting to visit the area, been able to go to just one website to book a whole range of products. The New Adventures campaign will help to increase the profile of the region and the amazing experiences you can have here all year round".
Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne Mayor, said: "People want to spend their energy going on adventures - not trawling through endless websites, planning them. And as for the North East?
"We've sites of breath-taking natural beauty and historical significance. We've world class bars and restaurants. And no-one quite throws a party like we do. Where better to have a new adventure?!"
Councillor Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside Council and Cabinet Member at the NTCA also added his excitement for an area which includes Tynemouth, Whitley Bay and Cullercoats, saying: "Even in the depths of winter, North Tyneside is a place with lots for people to experience and enjoy, from our award-winning coast to our many museums, attractions, bars, and restaurants. New Adventures will make it so much easier for people to find and book new experiences and great days out in our area."
Northumberland is a huge part of the North East's tourism industry, with a recent report showing that the county's tourist economy has doubled post-covid. Its beaches have been named among the best in the world and it was even named one of the best places in the world to visit by the New York Times in early 2022, with the 1900 Festival lighting up Hadrian's Wall this year alongside the more permanent attractions of the Northumberland National Park and the Northumberland Coast AONB.
Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland, said: "Northumberland's strength lies in a combination of its natural landscapes, rich heritage and unique experiences. The launch of these exciting new bookable products supports our commitment to destination and product development and helps raise awareness of the county's endless experiences. The new adventures will attract new markets, extend the dwell time and encourage return visits throughout the year".
To find out more, visit www.newadventures.org.uk.
What tourism experience would you recommend for people visiting the North East? Let us know!
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