Who we are, how we support tourism businesses, and how to work with Visit Northumberland
Visit Northumberland is the official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for the county, working with businesses, communities and partners to grow a strong, sustainable visitor economy. These frequently asked questions explain who we are, how we support tourism and visitor-focused businesses, and how you can work with us as a partner or stakeholder.
Visit Northumberland - Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Visit Northumberland LVEP?
Visit Northumberland is the official VisitEngland-accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for the county. We lead the coordination and management of Northumberland’s visitor economy, promote sustainable tourism growth, and deliver destination marketing and communications. We also support tourism and visitor-economy businesses to grow, develop new products and strengthen the local economy.
2. How can my tourism business benefit from Visit Northumberland?
By becoming a partner, your business can access destination marketing, promotional opportunities, networking events, industry insight, training and business support. Our partnership scheme is designed to increase visibility, encourage collaboration and help businesses grow sustainably.
3. How do I become a partner of Visit Northumberland?
Businesses can apply via the Partnership section of the Visit Northumberland website by completing an online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can contact the partnership team at partnership@visitnorthumberland.com to discuss the most suitable partnership option.
4. What partnership levels are available and what do they include?
Visit Northumberland offers several partnership tiers, each providing different levels of marketing exposure, support and benefits. Full details, including pricing and inclusions, are available in the Partnership section of the website.
5. What marketing opportunities are available for tourism businesses?
Partners may benefit from inclusion on the Visit Northumberland website, social media promotion, e-marketing campaigns and participation in destination-wide marketing activity. We also provide marketing toolkits and guidance to help businesses promote themselves effectively.
6. How can my business be featured on the Visit Northumberland website?
Businesses must be a Visit Northumberland partner to be featured on the official visitor website. Once partnered, you can submit your business details, including location, facilities, contact information and offers, to the partnership team for inclusion.
7. Can Visit Northumberland help with digital marketing support?
Yes. Visit Northumberland works closely with Northumberland Small Business Services, who offer digital marketing support through workshops and one-to-one advice. This includes guidance on websites, social media, content and SEO best practice.
8. Does Visit Northumberland offer training or workshops?
Yes. We deliver and promote a range of networking events, webinars and training sessions covering topics such as digital marketing, customer experience, sustainable tourism and business development. Partners are kept informed via newsletters and the website.
We also run the “Know Your Northumberland” programme, designed for anyone working or volunteering in visitor-facing roles. This interactive training helps participants develop in-depth knowledge of Northumberland’s attractions, history, food, routes, and culture, so they can better guide and inspire visitors.
For more information, visit Know Your Northumberland
9. Are there funding opportunities available for tourism businesses?
Visit Northumberland regularly shares information about grants, funding schemes and financial support opportunities. Partners receive updates via newsletters, the website and through our business support partners, including Northumberland Small Business Services.
10. How can I stay informed about tourism trends and industry news?
Partners receive regular newsletters with updates on tourism trends, funding, opportunities and events. The Visit Northumberland website also includes industry news, insights and resources to support businesses.
11. What support does Visit Northumberland offer for sustainable tourism?
Visit Northumberland supports responsible and sustainable tourism by promoting best practice, sharing guidance and signposting businesses to relevant training, funding and accreditation schemes. Sustainability is a core part of our destination strategy and long-term visitor economy planning.
12. Can I advertise my business through Visit Northumberland?
Yes. Advertising and promotional opportunities are available across the Visit Northumberland website, social media and e-marketing channels. Options vary depending on partnership level and campaign activity.
13. Is there support for developing new tourism experiences or attractions?
Yes. Visit Northumberland provides guidance on product development, market insight and visitor experience creation, helping businesses develop offers that align with Northumberland’s tourism strategy and visitor demand.
14. How can I take part in Visit Northumberland campaigns, events and promotions?
Opportunities to participate in campaigns, events and promotional activity are shared with partners through newsletters and direct communications. Involvement may depend on partnership level and campaign criteria.
15. What is Destination North East England and how does it relate to Visit Northumberland?
Destination North East England (DNEE) is the Destination Development Partnership (DDP) for the wider North East region, focused on strategic growth and investment in the visitor economy. Visit Northumberland works closely with DNEE to align local and regional destination development.
As a Visit Northumberland partner, your business has full access to DNEE initiatives, including:
- Regenerative Tourism – promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices
- Skills – workforce development and training opportunities
- Travel Trade – networking with national and international tour operators
- Excellence & Quality – raising service standards across the region
- Visitor Experiences – contributing to visitor offer development
- Business Events – supporting meetings, conferences and events tourism
- Funding – opportunities to access grants and regional investment initiatives
Visit Northumberland remains the official LVEP for Northumberland, focusing on marketing, partnerships, and business support locally, while DNEE operates at a regional strategic level. Partners benefit from the best of both local and regional opportunities.