The UK government is boosting tourism in the North East and West Midlands with a £1.35 million funding package aimed at further expanding these regions’ visitor economies. The funding, announced during English Tourism Week, will support government initiatives designed to attract more tourists and investment, aligning with the broader goal of welcoming 50 million international visitors to the UK by 2030.

Driving Growth for Regional Tourism Economies

This funding initiative is part of the government’s strategic plan to foster sustainable tourism growth outside of London. The £1.35 million will support the ongoing efforts of the Destination Development Partnerships (DDPs) in both regions. These partnerships, introduced as pilot programs in 2022, focus on enhancing tourism infrastructure and promoting the unique attractions of the North East and West Midlands.

Tourism Secretary Sir Chris Bryant highlighted that tourism plays a critical role in the UK’s economy, which is valued at £58 billion and supports millions of jobs. The government is working to improve destination management and collaboration among regions, ensuring that they not only attract more visitors but also provide better experiences that encourage longer stays and repeat visits.

Success of Destination Development Partnerships

The DDPs have already seen significant success in boosting regional tourism. In the North East, for example, the partnership has led to the opening of 11 new attractions, with £13 million in investments, along with the creation of 60 new restaurants and bars. The Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI) has been instrumental in gathering the data and information needed to encourage investment and support tourism projects.

In the West Midlands, the visitor economy grew by 15%, reaching £16.3 billion, thanks to the ongoing DDP pilot led by the West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC). The region has also seen a surge in job creation, with nearly 144,000 people now employed in tourism-related roles. The region attracted £10 million from business conferences and £4 million from major sporting events, proving the growing importance of tourism to the local economy.

Supporting the North East’s Tourism Potential

Kim McGuinness, Mayor of the North East, emphasized the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Despite being home to world-class attractions, the North East currently receives the lowest number of domestic and international visitors in England. With the additional funding, McGuinness aims to double the region’s visitor economy within the next decade by showcasing its unique offerings and attracting more investment to its towns and cities.

Tourism Growth in the West Midlands

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, pointed to tourism’s significant impact on the region’s economy, driving both growth and job creation. The £1.35 million funding will further support the region’s investment in its cultural and creative industries, alongside improvements in transport links to make it even easier for visitors to enjoy the area’s sights and attractions.

A Collaborative Approach for Sustainable Growth

This funding boost is part of a broader effort by the UK government to support regional tourism and create more opportunities for local communities. As the DDPs continue to thrive, these regions are poised to become key players in the UK’s tourism landscape, helping to attract international visitors while benefiting local businesses and economies.