Destination Development Partnership – Why has the region been awarded this pilot?

The government chose the North East as the pilot region based on the following criteria as set out in their response to the De Bois review:
  • DMOs in the region will have accredited national portfolio status
  • the region has a DMO landscape that lacks structures and has gaps in coverage
  • the region geographically offers coastal, urban and natural environments
  • the region is able to demonstrate a growing business and events offer
  • the region is able to demonstrate strong potential to support Levelling Up, through alignment with existing or planned Devolution Deals
  • the region is able to demonstrate close working across DMOs, local authorities and the private sector
  • the region is able to demonstrate evidence of visitor economy growth potential, this includes opportunities for improvement in tourism products such as attractions and transport links
  • the region is able to demonstrate product development opportunities
  • the region is able to demonstrate potential to grow visitor numbers and spend