Northumberland tourism businesses offered support to get ready for staycation surge

Bamburgh beach and castle. Picture by Jane Coltman

Business Northumberland is dedicating a week to help tourism businesses prepare to welcome domestic tourists post-lockdown.

Lucy Evermore, programme manager of Business Northumberland, said “Tourism is one of Northumberland’s biggest sectors and it is vital we help prepare these businesses for what may come.

“Although the message is clear tourism is closed for the ‘foreseeable future’ we want to ensure that businesses are ready for when they can open and start again.”

The tourism week which will all be delivered through Microsoft Teams, adhering to government guidelines, will kick off with a virtual networking event on June 12.

There will be virtual digital marketing workshops taking place from June 15-19 with a follow-up session on July 2.

The workshops are being held at what should be the busiest time for the tourism industry, but instead it is hoped that the affected businesses will be able to use the down time to advance on their digital marketing skills, something that they may have not had time for during peak periods.

Business Northumberland’s Tourism Week boasts a total of six workshops and one networking event, all tailored to tourism businesses with input from Northumberland Tourism and content created by digital marketing experts, Digital Allies.

Business Northumberland is putting on a series of events for tourism-related businesses.

From spring cleaning your SEO, creating energising, engaging email marketing campaigns to perfecting your digital marketing strategy to reflect the ‘new normal’ there is something to benefit all tourism businesses.

Coun Richard Wearmouth, chairman of Advance Northumberland, added: “As we begin our economic recovery following the coronavirus crisis, it’s crucial all businesses take advantage of opportunities to help them prepare for the future.

“Tourism is such a key sector for the county and I hope as many businesses as possible sign up for this vital marketing support.”

The programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and Advance Northumberland, so there is no cost to eligible businesses when accessing support.

Businesses must be registered to the Business Northumberland programme to attend the digital marketing workshop. Go to: www.businessnorthumberland.co.uk or email [email protected]

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