NewcastleGateshead Initiative, one of the UKs most successful destination marketing organisation’s has once again placed itself at the forefront of visitor information provision in the digital era, with the launch of a Twitter powered online map called ‘Geordieland’ (www.geordielandmap.com).
‘Geordieland’ plots Twitter content from venues, attractions, shops, bars, restaurants and individuals on an illustrated map of NewcastleGateshead. It is designed to inspire visitors and locals alike and is available online from Monday (20 May) via mobile platforms like smartphones and tablets, as well as desktop computers.
Sarah Stewart, chief executive at the destination management and marketing organisation, said: “Geordieland is a unique website that really allows visitors and residents to immerse themselves in the vibrant personality of the place and make the most of the time they spend in NewcastleGateshead. The map allows us to harness the power of social media, and brings together all the fascinating information already shared on Twitter across the destination in one easy to use platform.”
‘Geordieland’ was designed by Newcastle-based creative agency, Drummond Central. It allows users to search for inspiration by filtering content by themes covering food & drink, accommodation, nightlife, shopping and things to see & do.
The platform also pulls through live Tweets from users who have their Twitter location services switched-on, Sarah added: “We’re encouraging Twitter fans to use #Geordieland in their posts. By incorporating live Tweets from members of the public, as well as venues and businesses in the city, we can ensure content is always dynamic and recommendations are available to Geordieland users from the people who know the place best, our local residents.”
Geordieland is the latest in a series of digital advancements by NewacastleGateshead Initiative which have included launching one of the UKs first destination smartphone apps, and website developments that have seen a growth in unique visitors at www.NewcastleGateshead.com to more than a million in 2012, an increase of +71% versus the previous year.
The organisation is also working with VisitEnagland’s ‘Fan in a Van’, Rachel Kershaw (31), who last year spent ten weeks travelling the length and breadth of the country following the Olympic Torch. Now back home in Fenham, Newcastle, Rachel who works as a creative writer for Bauer Media at Metro Radio, has partnered with NewcastleGateshead Initiative to launch a new destination blog, www.lifeingeordieland.com.
Rachel said: “I had such a fantastic time travelling the length and breadth of the country during the Olympic Torch relay and blogging about my experiences for VisitEngland. Many of my most memorable were right here in the North East, in particular seeing Bear Grylls zip-wire off the Tyne Bridge and I’ve just recently followed in his footsteps!
“Although I’m from Lancashire I feel like a Geordie at heart and love the place I’ve called home for the past 10 years. I am sure ‘Geordieland’ and my blog will help inspire locals and visitors to really explore all the brilliant experiences I’ve truly enjoyed jumping into over the last few weeks.”
Ends.
For media enquiries contact:
Shelley Armstrong
Media & PR Manager
T. +44 (0)191 440 5739
M. +44 (0)7717 631 109
E. shelley.armstrong@ngi.org.uk
Notes to editors:
• NewcastleGateshead Initiative is a destination management and marketing agency; a public-private partnership supported by Gateshead and Newcastle City Councils, working with around 170 private sector partner organisations across NewcastleGateshead and the wider region
• NewcastleGateshead Initiative is supported by a board offering expertise from a range of sectors and professions. We also work with a wide range of partners, stakeholders and businesses, who share our ambition to inspire people to visit and to live, learn, work and invest in NewcastleGateshead.
o Our marketing & communications team works to promote and position NewcastleGateshead as a vibrant tourism destination, through targeted campaigns nationally and internationally. Our visitor information team helps ensure visitors have the best possible experience when they’re here, providing information and support.
o Our cultural programming team work with partners across the destination to bring together NewcastleGateshead’s cultural offer and deliver some of our most popular festival & events, including EAT! NewcastleGateshead, Juice Festival and the NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival.
o Our Convention Bureau uses local knowledge and expertise to help organise conferences, meetings or events in NewcastleGateshead and the surrounding area. It provides a free service including, venue sourcing and accommodation booking, to arranging transport and entertainment for delegates
o Our inward investment team helps businesses locate, expand and flourish in NewcastleGateshead, providing a range of services to make it easy to realise their ambitions for growth
• United by seven bridges across a spectacular riverscape, Newcastle (a city on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (a town on the south bank) form a single, diverse and extremely vibrant visitor destination. World-class culture, vibrant nightlife, award-winning dining, inspiring heritage, fantastic shopping and acclaimed architecture are combined here like nowhere else, by the famous Geordie spirit which is symbolised by Antony Gormley’s iconic Angel of the North as it welcomes travellers to the area.
Imagery / Photography opportunities:
• www.NewcastleGateshead.com/Images – NewcastleGateshead’s Initiative’s extensive royalty free image library
Useful links:
• www.NewcastleGateshead.com/Media – NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s media website
• www.NewcastleGateshead.com – destination website for NewcastleGateshead