'Destination True North'
The True North Policy think-tank recently held a third topical event focusing on the region’s tourism and visitor economy. CLA North Communications and PR Manager, Henk Geertsema attended the event which was hosted at Raby Castle with introductory remarks by the estate’s CEO, Duncan Peake.Speakers at the meeting included John Stevenson, chair of True North, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, and representatives from visitor attractions such as Beamish Museum.
A key aim of the event was to bring senior leaders from the sector together to discuss ways of working together in promoting the region (North East and Cumbria) and growing the visitor economy.
In addition speakers also highlighted constraints in growing the visitor economy such as the restrictive planning system; the tax burden on hospitality and tourism businesses; and the lack of sectoral skills and job opportunities.
Summing up was Kim McGuinness emphasised the importance of politicians working cross-party to advance this sector’s agenda, and to highlight how little national support there is for the North East and Cumbria regions, calling on Visit Britain to invest more in the region, saying: “England is more than Paddington Bear, cream teas and red phone boxes.”
True North, which launched earlier this year, is a political think tank covering the North East and Cumbria regions and undertake policy research work to amplify the political influence and strategic direction of this area. More information: www.truenorthpolicy.co.uk
