Registered Address:
Registered Address: The Centre, 27, Fenkle Street, Alnwick NE66 1HW
Company Limited by Guarantee no: 5537085
mediarelease mediarelease mediarelease mediarelease mediarelease mediarelease
Putting out the Welcome mat to visitors in 2018
After another strong performance in 2017 with a number attractions and tourism businesses from across Northumberland scooping business awards, event organisers, attractions and accommodation providers are getting ready to put out the Welcome mat for the start of the 2018 tourism season. Organisers Local Living are expecting a full house of exhibitors at this year’s North Tourism Fairs in Alnwick and Hexham.
The Alnwick Tourism Fair will take place on Tuesday 13th March at Willowburn Sports & Leisure Centre serving North Northumberland and the Borders, followed by the Hexham Tourism Fair at Hexham Mart on Thursday15thMarch serving the Heart of Northumberland and the Tyne Valley.
The two events are once again being supported by Northumberland County Council. Paul Nichol, Tourism & Visitor Economy Manager says: “A vibrant visitor economy is vitally important for Northumberland and we can all take pride in the spectacular growth we have achieved over the last few years. The annual value of our tourism industry now stands at over £850m and due to our attractions and businesses having foresight and empowerment to seize opportunities to create memorable, authentic experiences and products which appeal to visitors, we finally sit as one of the UK's most popular destinations. Northumberland County Council is committed to supporting the sector and its showcase events in the tourism calendar. The annual tourism fairs are like the starter’s pistol for the next phase of growth and development and I am greatly looking forward to the launch of another exciting year.”
Jude Leitch, Director of Northumberland Tourism adds: “Northumberland attracts some 10 million visitors a year and the trend is steadily rising. I believe that we can continue to build on this – especially promoting year-round attractions like the county’s stunning dark skies in winter. Staycations remain popular with the British public and with a more ‘glamping’ sites and boutique hotels opening around the county every year the outlook looks good.”
David Taylor of the Alnwick Tourism Associationsays: “The Alnwick Tourism Fair is always a vibrant affair, packed with exhibitors, regional eventsand local attractions. They herald the beginning of a new season for many of our members. 2017 was a very good year for many accommodation providers.Northumberland deservedly ranks amongst the best in the country as a holiday destination. I am looking forward to finding out more about what local attractions and events will be on offer in 2018.”
“The figures for the number of visitors to the county are good and it is pleasing to see that accommodation providers are continuing to invest to meet the growing demand,” adds Jeff Sutheran of the North Northumberland Tourism Association. “We need to embrace tourism as a growing industry within Northumberland, and promote ourselves effectively as a quality destination. But it is important that we also get the infrastructure right. There will be plenty to talk about when we gather for the tourism fairs.”
Hospitality providers from around the county and the Borders will be welcomedat the events which will take place from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.Members of the public are also welcome. Refreshments provided by Alnwick’s Olive Branch café will be available throughout the dayand admission is free.
"Last year we had a record attendance of 130 exhibitors at Alnwick, making it our busiest event ever. At Hexham this year we will again have the added attraction of the Meet the Maker event taking place at the same venue on the same day.” says Philip Angier of event organiser, Local Living. "The Tourism Fairs are a ‘don’t miss’ date in the calendar for accommodation providers to collect information about local attractions for their guests. And they are also a great way for local people to find out about festivals and events and family days outin 2018.”
For further information contact Philip Angier ( - tel: 07971162623) or visit the event website –
Background
Tourism is critical component of Northumberland’s regional economy. In 2016 (the last year for which figures are available) the county attracted almost 10 million visitors bringing an estimated £852million to the local economy.
Overnight visitors spent an average of £234 per trip and day visitors £29.
All of this activity contributed to an increase of 2% in employment in the sector to 11,785 jobs.
The Annual Tourism Fairs are an opportunity to raise the profile of the tourism industry in Northumberland. They serve the many B & B and holiday let providers around the county, visitor attractions and local service providers to the tourism industry.
Further Information available from:
Philip Angier :
07971 162623 / 07894 402766
Event website :
Images available on request