Northumberland is in the running for a gold award at the British Tourism Awards for the second year running. Vote today to back your county!

Annual figures released this week show that the county welcomed 10.48 million visitors in 2018, an increase on the previous year. Tourism contributed over £1 billion to the Northumbrian economy and the industry directly employed 13,000 people across the county.

The figures also revealed 1.9 million nights were enjoyed in the county by visitors, proving that Northumberland is becoming more and more successful at persuading visitors to stay longer in the county and spend more. Guests of our county are also enjoying a taste of Northumberland, with the food and drink sector making up around 30% of the income.

Councillor Cath Homer is the cabinet member with responsibility for tourism. She has overseen a number of projects to promote the county to people elsewhere. Cllr Homer said:

“The numbers revealed this week are great for Northumberland and are a direct result of the work of people who are proud to live here. Businesses, tourist and cultural attractions, restaurants, bars and coffee shops, accommodation providers, and event organisers all do their bit to promote Northumberland as a great place to visit. They ensure that every visitor has a positive experience, which they remember and share with others.

“Winning the Gold British Travel Award for Best County Destination at the end of 2018 was just the beginning. Since then the county has won numerous accolades in the national and regional press from Bamburgh to Amble to Druridge Bay to Hadrian’s Wall.

“We are committed to promoting and investing in the tourism sector as an economic driver in the county. We promote Northumberland as a fantastic place to live, work, invest and visit through our Discover Our Land campaign, and we champion authentic Northumberland food and drink through our scheme Produced in Northumberland. 

“Our Great Northumberland cultural programme is growing, supporting arts and cultural organisations to provide events across the summer season for residents and visitors. The Great Northumberland winter programme will be released soon and will promote the county outside of the traditional summer season. Details of the many events and activities can be found here.

“In just under three weeks we will welcome the Tour of Britain cycling race to the county for the third time. Starting in the heart of Berwick, the race will cross Berwick Bridge, pass through Ford and Wooler then down the Northumberland coast past Bamburgh and Warkworth castles. Our county’s natural beauty will be broadcast to 160 countries worldwide.

“Winning the Gold award in 2019 would confirm that Northumberland is firmly on the map as a destination of choice, regionally, nationally and internationally. Cast your vote today at https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/sharenland/vote”.

Voting closes 30th September 2019, so get behind your county and vote today!