TOURISM bosses in the North East are calling on people to boost visitor attractions by voting them on to a new website.
VisitEngland, the national tourist board, is using a new Facebook site and web application called 101 Things To Do Before You Go Abroad to convince people to take their holidays closer to home.
The items on the site will be decided by a public vote, and now the Northern Tourism Alliance is urging the public to help the North East get the recognition it deserves by voting for the region’s treasures.
Sarah Stewart, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative and VisitEngland board member, said: “The VisitEngland app is a fantastic tool to help visitors plan their short break or day out, and highlights that it isn’t necessary to go abroad to create memories that will stay with you forever.”
Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of Visit County Durham said: “This is a great opportunity for people in the North East to show how passionate we are about our particular corner of the country, and tell the rest of the country that there are dozens of exciting things to see and do in our great region.
“The app is a truly exciting development and we’d encourage the public to share the experiences that have stuck with them by logging on to Facebook and uploading their favourites.”
Jude Leitch from Northumberland Tourism added: “There is certainly no need for anyone in the UK to holiday abroad in 2013. Stunning coastline, spectacular countryside, living history, and sites of international significance can all be found in the North East.” People wanting to nominate sites for the Facebook page and app can go to 101thingstodoinengland.co.uk and make suggestions. The site is taking suggestions until March 10, with a selection of nominations will be announced during English Tourism Week from March 16-24. The full 101 items will be announced on St George’s Day, April 23.
A number of attractions in the North East have already been suggested including the Angel of the North, Durham Cathedral, Bamburgh Castle, Beamish Museum, Vindolanda, Baltic and Alnwick Garden.
James Berresford, VisitEngland’s chief executive, said: “There is so much on offer in England which is capable of taking our breath away. We hope this app will inspire Britons everywhere to take a holiday in England and remember that this is one of the best, if not the best, destinations in the world.”
