Think North East First campaign boosts North attractions
Feb 26 2009 by Rob Pattinson, The Journal
THE Journal’s Think North East First campaign helped make half-term a boom time for tourism across the region, figures show.
Statistics from the National Trust and English Heritage show North East attractions pulled in more visitors during the February half-term than ever before.
Industry experts thanked The Journal for our part in encouraging families to spend locally, holiday locally and support local ports and airports.
Beamish open air museum, in County Durham, welcomed 7,000 visitors, a 250% rise on the same time last year. The number of visitors to the National Trust’s Lindisfarne Castle, on Holy Island, shot up from 1,059 to 2,362, an increase of 123%.
Woodhorn Museum, near Ashington, Northumberland, claimed the most successful week since its opening, with a 40% increase in families turning up to see its Cars of the Stars exhibition.
Geoff Hodgson, chairman of the North East Tourism Advisory Board, said: “It’s been fantastic. I think The Journal’s campaign has made everyone wake up. They’ve seen the 50 reasons to Think North East First and decided they are going to try them.
“I think the increases are massively encouraging for the year we are going to have, a year where people holiday close to home. The campaign has had a tremendous effect and its timing couldn’t be better.”
English Heritage reported a 26% increase in numbers flocking to attractions across the North of England, and a 34% increase in those heading to sites along Hadrian’s Wall.
The International Centre for Life in Newcastle also saw the benefits, with a 10% increase on families visiting. Half-term also saw Cragside in Northumberland open for the first time at this time of year, pulling in more than 1,000 visitors.
Alongside the efforts of Journal readers industry experts believe a combination of factors including better weather, the weak pound and the continuing economic problems also boosted the attractiveness of staying close to home.
Tourism chiefs have also said one of the most encouraging signs has been the significant increase in the number of families signing up to tourism organisations as members.
The sign-up for English Heritage membership across the region rose by more than 100%, while the National Trust saw a 60% rise in those opting for membership at Lindisfarne Castle.
Northumberland Tourism described the rises as “very encouraging”.
Newcastle Airport also stressed the value being added to the local economy by passengers choosing to fly.
A spokesperson said: “It’s very important people continue to travel from their local airport and we were delighted to see that the number of passengers jetting off on charter holidays from Newcastle exceeded our predictions over the half-term break.
“North East holidaymakers are extremely resilient.”
