Focus on heritage to bring in visitors
Sep 18 2008 by Tony Henderson, The Journal
THE spotlight was on three of the North East’s top visitor sites when a heritage conference opened yesterday.
The Association for Heritage Interpretation event in Newcastle was looking at how bodies working together can create a better experience for visitors.
Delegates visited Kielder Water and Forest Park to see how the Forestry Commission, Northumbrian Water, Kielder Partnership and the Calvert Trust combine.
Today they visit Vindolanda and Housesteads forts and the Once Brewed visitor centre on Hadrian’s Wall.
Tomorrow it is the turn of the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery sites at Wearmouth-Jarrow.
Meanwhile on Tuesday a new report judged that Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd (HWHL) had markedly improved the strategic vision and co-ordination of the world heritage site since it was set up two years ago.
The report by consultants 21st Century Era Ltd came as HWHL held for its annual general meeting at the Fifiefofum Gallery near Corbridge.
It found 80% of respondents thought the Hadrian’s Wall Country brand and the increased marketing and public relations activity had raised the profile of the area, resulting in a positive impact on confidence in the area and its economy.
Linda Tuttiett, HWHL chief executive, said: “We know that ultimately we won’t be judged on our achievements over the last two years but what happens in the next two years. Real success will be seeing bricks and mortar rising from the ground at visitor attractions, increased numbers of visitors and more money coming into the local economies.”
On Tuesday The Journal reported how a string of projects was planned for various sites along the Wall to improve the visitor experience.
The Roman remains are expected to play a key part in the 2009 Culture10 programme when the central theme will be landscape and heritage. Planned events include a re-garrisoning of the Wall.
Ms Tuttiett said: “A challenging programme of capital improvements is gathering pace to further increase the appeal of Hadrian’s Wall Country.
“There has been considerable progress on major projects planned at many of the Wall’s most famous sites.
“Hadrian’s Wall is arguably Britain’s greatest piece of heritage and is set in stunning and varied scenery. However, potential visitors have not fully appreciated how much there is to see and do.
“There has been significant progress towards making the changes that are needed to improve the quality of the visitor experience and attract more visitors to Hadrian’s Wall Country.
“We need to reverse the decline in visitor numbers that has been going on for some years so that tourism can make a bigger contribution to the area’s economy.”
