Newcastle Gateshead named host for top Travel Trade Convention

NewcastleGateshead has been named as the location for a major Travel Trade convention in 2027.  

Leading travel association UKinbound announced that its 2027 Annual Convention will be held in the region next February. 

The winning bid was submitted by Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI)’s multi-award-winning convention bureau as part of a competitive tender process, with the two‑day flagship event confirmed to take place at venues across the region, with the main convention event taking place at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. 

Building on the success of England’s first Destination Development Partnership Pilot (DDP), which ends in April after four years of trailblazing work, the convention’s arrival in the North East presents a fantastic opportunity for the whole region to come together to share ideas and learnings and explore opportunities for partnerships across the industry. 

The DDP has helped to unlock the North East’s untapped potential with a step-change in region-wide travel trade engagement that has seen the area deliver a collaborative, joined up travel trade programme for the first time in over a decade.  

The announcement comes at an exciting time for the region’s visitor economy, which will see increased investment and capacity to create a new, regional marketing and product development body which will continue the progress made under the DDP and drive forward the North East’s ambitions to double the value of the sector and increase visitor numbers by the end of the decade.  

Expected to sell out, the Annual Convention will welcome more than 400 tourism professionals from across the UK’s inbound sector, bringing together businesses such as attractions, accommodation providers, transport and aviation companies, alongside tour operators and international trade buyers responsible for bringing visitors to the UK from key markets such as the USA, Europe and Asia. 

Alongside an inspiring keynote speaker address, the programme will feature topical industry seminars and workshops, and a full day of B2B meetings, all providing actionable insights to help businesses grow and remain resilient in a changing global landscape. 

Delegates will also have the opportunity to explore the region’s rich and varied tourism offering, including its stunning coastlines, untouched countryside and vibrant towns and cities. UKinbound and NGI will deliver a programme of familiarisation trips, helping to strengthen the relationships between inbound buyers and the North East England’s visitor economy. 

Dr Sarah Green OBE, Chief Executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative welcomed the announcement: 

Hosting the Convention in NewcastleGateshead allows us to champion and share the trailblazing work we’ve delivered as England’s first Destination Development Partnership Pilot, as we look ahead to an exciting future for our visitor economy, with increased investment and capacity to deliver on our ambitions.  

“We can’t wait to showcase all the region has to offer, from our breathtaking coastlines, lively towns and cities and wild and wonderful countryside. Delegates will get to experience our outstanding culture and heritage, experience some unforgettable adventures and encounter our world-famous North Eastern hospitality as we come together to share ideas and launch a new era of travel trade partnerships.

Joss Croft OBE, CEO, UKinbound, said: 

We are very excited to announce Newcastle Gateshead as the host destination for our 2027 Annual Convention. The bid from Newcastle Gateshead Initiative was exceptional, demonstrating a real ambition to work with the travel trade and a clear vision for growing international visitor numbers to the region.  

“Latest research shows that UKinbound operators facilitate more than half of all inbound visits to the United Kingdom, so this is a great opportunity to showcase a North East England for international audiences. 

“With its vibrant cultural scene, iconic landmarks, heritage, hospitality, fantastic local partners and above all that famous North East welcome, we have no doubt that Newcastle Gateshead will provide an outstanding Convention experience for our delegates.

Fraser Anderson, CEO from The Glasshouse International Centre for Music said: 

As a home for all forms of live music, we welcome thousands of domestic and international visitors to The Glasshouse every year.  

“We’ve been an important part of the region’s tourism offer for more than two decades and we work closely with tourism businesses in NewcastleGateshead and the wider North East to bring more visitors to our amazing city. 

“Hosting UKinbound’s Annual Convention at The Glasshouse in 2027 will attract hundreds of travel professionals to NewcastleGateshead and delegates will have the chance to experience one of the most dramatic conference and event spaces in our region. As well as discussing critical issues facing the industry, the event will also highlight the important role the North East can play in attracting more inbound tourism to the UK.  

“UKinbound shares our commitment to sustainable tourism and reducing the impact tourism has on people and the planet. As a venue we’ve set an ambitious pledge to be net zero by 2030 and we’re working with partners across the region to reduce carbon emissions, champion sustainable travel and ensure culture and tourism work hand in hand with environmental responsibility.