Travel journalists and social media influencers from Netherlands and France enjoyed a weekend exploring the North East to mark the launch of two new routes into Newcastle International Airport.
The media were invited to see what was on offer in the destination, following easyJet’s new daily flights from Amsterdam and up to six weekly flights from Paris. They represented key publications in their markets including Lonely Planet France; Voyages d’Affaires and Travelution.
The group trip was organised by NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI), the lead organisation for Destination North East England, and was in partnership with delivery partners VisitCounty Durham as well as VisitBritain, the airport and the airline.
Media were taken on a cycling tour of NewcastleGateshead as well as a food and culture tour, visiting Newcastle Castle; the Grainger Market, Ouseburn. The group from Holland also enjoyed a day trip to Durham to take in the filming locations of Harry Potter in the city as part of VisitBritain’s Starring GREAT Britain campaign.
The group also got the chance to go to Blackfriars’s Beer and Bao cookery class, which is one of a number of food and drink experiences that visitors can book on www.newadventures.org.uk
John Marshall, chair of Destination North East England said: “Working together with our DDP partners as well VisitBritain, the airport and easyJet allows us to enhance our promotions in these key target markets.
“The value of the coverage we achieve on the back of such trips will not only promote what we have to offer international visitors but will also help us achieve our collective ambition of doubling the size of the visitor economy and driving overnight visitors to the region.”
VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates said: “Growing airline connectivity into key regional gateways including Newcastle is crucial to our competitive tourism offer and to our welcome.
“These new direct routes from Paris and Amsterdam to Newcastle act as a gateway to the North East and beyond, making it easier for visitors from these incredibly important European markets to explore more of our nations and regions, spreading visitor spending right across Britain.”
Leon McQuaid, Director of Aviation Development said: “The region has so much to offer and we are proud to facilitate inbound tourism as the key gateway into the North East of England. It has been fantastic to work with business partners such as NGI, VisitBritain and easyJet, showcasing our cities, countryside and stunning coastlines to travel journalists and social media influencers alike.
We’re delighted that the new easyJet flights not only give the North East travelling public an excellent opportunity to explore Amsterdam or Paris, but also provide additional connectivity into the region for inbound tourists.”