Destination Digest

North East England has launched a world-leading, globally significant regenerative visitor economy framework and in this episode, we uncover what this brave, new world means for the region, our businesses and our leaders.Sustainability and regenerative tourism expert Guy Bigwood, Chief Executive and Chief Changemaker at GDS Movement discusses how the framework came about, what it means for the region and the regenerative future we're ushering into being. As the scourge of 'over-tourism' hits destinations around the globe, how prepared is the North East when it comes to dealing with more tourists and the carbon footprint increases that brings, how are we going to protect our people, our place and our planet and what does the future look like for our visitor economy.

How to you make sure your business is compliant, safe and ready to welcome visitors? Have you ever thought about accreditations, star ratings and quality schemes but never got passed the first hurdle? In this special bonus episode, Jonny Chambers is joined by Simon Numphud from AA Media to talk about their brand new Visitor Ready accreditation scheme, a free initiative that helps businesses stay compliant and ready to welcome visitors.This special bonus episode forms part of Excellence and Quality month at Destination North East England, as we help businesses demonstrate their excellence, quality and compliance - from top tips on regulation and compliance, to getting the most out of your Destination North East England Tourism Awards entry!

In this episode of Destination Digest, the all new podcast from England's first Destination Development Partnership (DDP), Jonny Chambers chats with Jennifer Huntley, Senior Partnerships Manager at international tourism body Visit Britain as we discuss how North East England's story is being told around the globe as part of the DDP's international amplification project. We uncover what the big opportunities are internationally to tell global visitors about the region as well as revealing some of the fantastic results the international amplification work has achieved in all four corners of the globe. Learn why the region is operating at a 'champion's league' level according to one influential travel expert and what going international means for your business here in the North East.