Over 40,000 cycling enthusiasts were exposed to the North East of England’s incredible cycling holidays at two international expos by leading tourism organisations last month.
NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) and Visit Northumberland, and cycle charity, Sustrans attended Fiets en Wandelbeurs in the Netherlands and in Belgium to encourage active holiday makers to choose the North East for their next cycling trip.
Visitors from Europe can benefit from a direct ferry route from Amsterdam to Newcastle where they can explore the outstanding cycling routes along UNESCO World Heritage site, Hadrian’s Wall, the countryside in County Durham, award-winning coastlines and famous Coast to Coast route.
Attendance at the events was part of the North of Tyne Combined Authority-funded project which aims to drive domestic and international visitors to the region by providing bookable cycling and walking-friendly holidays along the Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland Line corridor via the website https://newadventures.org.uk/
As a region with ambitious sustainability aims, active travel seeks to help explore the North East in an active way and in a way that reduces their carbon impact.
Laura Freer, Head of Visitor Economy Development, NGI, said: “This is our first time attending Fiets en Wandelbeurs and it was incredible to see the demand and interest in what the North East has to offer cycling enthusiasts.
“We met and connected with around 40,000 consumers across the two events and showcased the brilliant experiences on offer on the New Adventures website.
“Working together with both Visit Northumberland and Sustrans was a brilliant way to showcase the breadth of opportunity in the region – the coast, countryside as well as the routes through to the bustling city – we have it all.”
Cllr Glen Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Culture, Creative and Rural, North of Tyne Combined Authority, said: “Our region is a phenomenal place to visit full of beautiful landscapes, coastlines and amazing history. Why not take a cycling holiday here along Hadrian’s Wall? We have an extensive network of cycle routes making it both an easy and exciting way to explore. That’s why we’re working with NGI, Visit Northumberland and cycling experts Sustrans to promote and explore better holidays in our region that are both fun and sustainable.”