FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NORTH EAST ENGLAND'S TOURISM INDUSTRY LOOKS TO THE FUTURE AS FIRST DESTINATION 2034 CONFERENCE IS ANNOUNCED

ADestinationNorth EastEngland Conferenceis comingto The GlasshouseInternational Centre for Musicon Monday 18^thMarch, featuring panellists from Tripadvisor, Digital Tourism Think Tank and the Global Destination Sustainability Movement amongst others.

TitledDestination 2034this free, industry-focussed conference will take over the iconic Glasshouse for a jam-packed day of panels, interactive workshops and sessions geared towards supporting industry, as Destination North East England forges ahead with the development of a 10-year visitor economy strategy.

Business will be able to tap into opportunities brought about by the region's ambitions and learn more about working together to grow the visitor economy.

Challenging delegates to view the destination through different lenses, from harnessing the power of creativity and culture, to fostering a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable place, attendees will get actionable insights and takeaways to support the profitability of our industry and ultimately helping to achieve Destination North East England's goal of doubling the size of the region's visitor economy over the next decade.

A series of sessions, interactive panels and workshops will follow covering a range of topics which will challenge delegates to view the North East through different lenses. Destination Experiencewill look at how industry can create new memorable and curated experiences for visitors andDestination Tomorrowlooks at how industry can develop a career passport fit for the future for the next generation of tourism and hospitality talent.

Destination Regenerativebrings together world-leading experts in the field sustainability and green tourism andDestination Inclusivewill look at how industry can help make the North East of England Europe's most inclusive and welcoming destination.

Destination: Investmentwill but a spotlight on recent investments into our visitor economy, what that means for the future and how industry can maximise the opportunity.

Leaders from across the region's film, TV, music, live entertainment and cultural spaces will also come together for ourDestination: Creativepanel. With plans to transform Sunderland into the UK's Hollywood, major music labels setting up shop in Newcastle, and the region's venues attracting showstopping spectaculars, this panel will discuss the power of creativity and cultural development in providing a vibrant, exciting and sustainable destination for residents and visitors, on screen, on stage and around the world.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to connect directly with industry exhibitors and programme leaders from the array of business support projects being offered by Destination North East England. From support with getting bookable tourism products in front of a global audience to regenerative tourism best practices, businesses can connect informally with the people best placed to help.

As the first-ever government funded regional tourism pilot, Destination North East England operates across all seven local authorities and will work in parallel with the plans for the forthcoming North East Mayoral Combined Authority. Itis led by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, working with delivery partners Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham and in in partnership with all seven local authorities.

The event is the perfect opportunity for anyone who has an invested interest in the region and the visitor economy to interact with local, national and global thought leaders, get involved in Destination North East England's work and leave equipped with the tools and expertise toinnovate, attract new audiences and be more sustainable and inclusive.

Held during English Tourism Week, itis open to anyone who can benefit from Destination North East England's regional programme of activity and who can play a part in the growth of the visitor economy.

Businesses can sign up atdestinationnortheastengland.co.ukto secure their free place.

ENDS

Notes to editors

Destination 2034 - The Destination North East England Conference

The Glasshouse, International Centre for Music, Gateshead

Registration from 09:30, sessions commence from 10am.

Networking drinks reception from 6pm.

Timings, line up, panels and speakers subject to change

Tea, coffee and refreshments provided.  Lunch is available to purchase from The Glasshouse sales points and dedicated ‘street food' kiosks on the main concourse. 

Tickets are free but spaces limited. Available atdestinationnortheastengland.co.uk.

Media contacts:

Kelly Gleadow

Head of Communications

Email:kelly.gleadow@ngi.org.uk

About Destination North East England

The North East was chosen to deliver the first-everDestination Development Partnershippilot in England, receiving £2.25 million from national government.  

Born out of the pilot, this partnership, Destination North East England operates across all seven local authorities, working together to improve skills, develop products, work with travel trade, drive innovation, support business events and improve the accessibility and sustainability of the sector.  

The pilot has been the catalyst for the development of a ten-year plan that will double the size of our visitor economy and position our region as a must-see destination, whilst attracting private investment and driving growth.  

This is a regional collaboration and an incredible opportunity to unlock growth and the untapped potential in the North East of England by develop our regional eco-system and supporting industry.  

Destination North East England is led by NewcastleGateshead Initiative on behalf of the region, working with delivery partners Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham and in partnership with all seven local authorities.  

NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Visit County Durham, and Visit Northumberland were the first organisations to be recognised by VisitEngland in a new national portfolio of strategic tourism bodies called Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs). A Destination Development Partnership pilot is led by a LVEP, on behalf of a wider region and other LVEPs to create a programme of activity funded by DCMS and managed by national body VisitEngland to deliver the government's ambitions for the visitor economy at a regional level.  

The region will act as a potential blueprint for the rest of England and help shape the future landscape of destination management organisations, delivering local economic growth through the visitor economy across the whole region.  

https://destinationnortheastengland.co.uk/  

About NewcastleGateshead Initiative

NGI is a destination and inward investment agency that delivers for Newcastle, Gateshead, and the wider region. NGI incorporates the brands of Invest Newcastle, Visit NewcastleGateshead and NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau.

Every single one of our projects are dedicated to making a lasting social and economic impact. As drivers and enablers of economic growth, we champion our offer on a world stage

and we maximise our impact through our partnerships. We work collaboratively with Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, North of Tyne Combined Authority, partners, and other stakeholders to create a better place to live.

We engage with stakeholders and policy makers to influence on a national and regional level to benefit the people who live and work here. We promote the distinctiveness of our region, its culture, and its people to create an authentic voice that makes us stand out from the crowd. We work across key growth sectors and use insight and intelligence to drive innovation, inward investment, and business growth. In addition, we attract world class conferences that reinforce our sector strengths and the strategic importance of tourism.

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

https://www.ngi.org.uk/

About Visit County Durham 

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.

https://www.visitcountydurham.org/

Visit Northumberland

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.

www.visitnorthumberland.com.