Associate Briefings

Twice yearly Associate briefings are held in March and September, to which all Associate organisations are invited to attend.

The purpose of the briefings is for One NorthEast Tourism to present a general review of recent developments in the tourism sector and provide an opportunity for Associate organisations to discuss ways in which they can benefit from or directly engage in Network activities.

The next meeting of Network Associates will take place on Friday 24 September 2010.

March 2010

Tourism strategy was the main focus of the March Network Associates.  The meeting received an overview of the tourism strategy hierarchy including a detailed update on the new Regional Visitor Economy Strategy due to be completed in May 2010.  In addition members of the group received a presentation on the key role that Area Tourism Management Plans (ATMaPs) play within the sub-regions including how they link to the regional Visitor Economy Strategy and Local Destination Management Plans.  

Research and statistics is key to monitoring and directing tourism growth within the North East.  The meeting were provided with a summary of 2009 tourism performance and trends at national and regional level.  Members of the group were also given an opportunity to share views on their own visitor numbers, expenditure and trends.  Presentations can be viewed by selecting the relevant links below.

• Research Update

• Strategy Presentation

• ATP ATMaP Presentation

September 2009

The September Network Associates meeting received an update on the different tiers of responsibility for tourism from national to local level.  It included an outline of key individuals at DCMS, VisitBritain and VisitEngland as well as an overview of the role and activity of Tourism Network North East.  Associates were also given an economic update relating to ocupancy levels, visits to attractions and current tourism trends including feedback from some of the region's tourism businesses. 

The main focus for the September meeting was the new Visitor Economy Strategy which is currently under development.  Associates were presented with a review of the current Regional Tourism Strategy, an update on key achievements to date, and what some of the key issues are that still need to be addressed.  The vision for the new Visitor Economy Strategy was outlined along with strategic aims and objectives. 

March 2009

The March Network Associates meeting provided an update on the National Tourism Framework Review and the creation of VisitEngland; Tourism Network activity; the North East Tourism Advisory Board; and the new Regional Visitor Economy Strategy.  The group was updated on the impact of the recession on the regional tourism industry and shared statistical and anecdotal evidence on forward bookings.  The focus of the discussion at this meeting was on e-marketing and customer relationship management, which included an introduction to the new Visit North East England website, its special features and functionality.  

November 2008

The November meeting outlined the National Tourism Framework Review and recent developments across Tourism Network North East.  Discussions took place on how to improve literature distribution around the region and in which way "What's New for 2009" could best be launched to regional media and tourism businesses.  The group received a presentation focussing on the major trends in volume and value of tourism over the last 5 years identified through STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Model).  In addition, Network Associates were the first audience to hear headline results from the 2008 Visitor Survey.