Funded with £2.25 million, the pilot will develop new initiatives to attract visitors and attract investment into the visitor economy while building a case for a nationwide roll-out of DDPs.
As discussed during our recent DMO roundtables, VisiEngland’s first priority will be to work closely with the pilot area on the set up of the DDP, and look for benefits and learnings which can be shared nationwide as the pilot progresses.
VisitEngland Director, Andrew Stokes said:
"Congratulations to the North East on being announced as the pilot region for the Destination Development Partnership (DDP).
The UK Government’s decision to proceed with a pilot approach is a valuable opportunity to prove the DDP concept, demonstrating the benefits that these reforms will have if rolled out nationwide. We will also be able to really measure an element of funding at a regional level to develop tourism and what impact that will have, strengthening the case for future funding.
We look forward to working with NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Northumberland and Durham tourism boards to develop the DDP pilot, ensuring we have the right infrastructure in place to enable England to continue to be a compelling destination for domestic and international visitors.”
- See the NewcastleGateshead Initiative’s website for more information on the pilot.
- Read the DCMS press release
