Businesses wanted to sign up for initiative

Northumberland National Park sign looking over the moors above Elsdon.
Picture Jane Coltman — Northumberland National Park sign looking over the moors above Elsdon. Picture Jane Coltman

The English National Park Experience Collection will compile unique experiences which tell the story of our national parks and the people who look after them, to international audiences.

The programme will develop new experiences which have greater appeal to foreign tourists and which can be packaged together for development by and in close association with the inbound travel trade.

While the project will initially target German and Australian visitors, the products created would be available to all markets.

The programme is looking for lead experience providers to apply through the application process. They can collaborate with other businesses to cover all aspects of the experience. Separately, the programme is seeking accommodation providers to apply to support the experience collection.

Businesses looking to lead an experience can view ideas before completing the online application form.

Tourism providers are welcome to add other experiences when completing the form, if they feel it would fit the collection. The research gathered shows that immersive experiences are what the target markets are looking for (outdoor enthusiasts, 35-55 years, and mature experience seekers, 50-65 years).

There is a small sign-up fee, required at the beginning of the programme for successful businesses. This is based on the number of employees or how many rooms accommodation provider has.

The deadline for applications is Friday, May 18. Visit tinyurl.com/y9qjzj44

Duncan Wise, Visitor Development and Marketing Manager at Northumberland National Park Authority, said; “This is a fantastic opportunity for tourism businesses within or on the edge of Northumberland National Park, from activity companies and attractions to accommodation providers.

“VisitEngland’s National Park Experience Collection gives us an exciting opportunity to showcase the special qualities of Northumberland and our wider National Park family to a broader international market seeking a high-quality visitor experience.”