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Delegates love to visit Tyneside

The combined urban area of NewcastleGateshead has strengthened its position as one of the UK’s leading business destinations, according to a local promotional body. NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau have said that the Tyneside economy received a £1m boost as over 1500 people descended for the Conservative Party Spring Forum earlier in March.

The event benefited local businesses including conference venues, hotels and restaurants, as well as cultural attractions and retailers. Feedback from organisers and delegates has shown that visitors who came for the Forum were impressed with the area.

Cllr Stephen Ellis, from Staffordshire, one of the 1500 delegates who attended the event, said: “I fell in love with the place and the people - both so warm and welcoming. The place felt like home. I have never been to Newcastle or Gateshead before but I’m definitely coming back. I loved it from the moment I arrived to the moment I left. It was a real shame to have to leave.”

Caroline Spelman MP, Conservative Party Chairman, said: “We are delighted that we brought our Spring Forum to NewcastleGateshead. It was a bold, inspired decision by our Party to venture to a new location and we couldn’t have found a more accommodating and welcoming venue than The Sage Gateshead.”

Jessica Roberts, Head of Business Tourism at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said: “Hosting an event of this calibre is a fantastic coup for us and a testament to the growing reputation we have as one of the UK’s leading business destinations. “We are delighted that delegates had such a great experience.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .