Northumberland played a key role in showcasing the region’s distinctive offer, as the North East welcomed more than 200 travel writers and influencers to the region this week for leading travel media event, Media Getaway.

The three-day industry networking event connected travel PR companies and destinations with leading travel media.

Coordinated through Visit Northumberland, delegates experienced a range of standout curated experiences visiting attractions and business partners across the county gaining an authentic insight into the county’s rich heritage, food and drink offer, and dramatic landscapes helping to position Northumberland as a compelling destination for future international media coverage and content creation.

Highlights included visits to Ad Gefrin, The Running Fox,  Northumberland Cheese Company and Craster Kippers alongside iconic heritage sites such as Lindisfarne Castle, Alnwick Castle and Bamburgh Castle. Delegates also experienced The Tempus, offering high-quality accommodation aligned with the region’s storytelling and sense of place.

Media Getaway, organised by Travel Connection Group and hosted by Experience North East England, alongside destination sponsors Newcastle International Airport and Ad Gefrin, is the only event of its kind outside London.

Previous editions of Media Getaway have been held in Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds and Chester. The event attracted major names from the travel writing industry, alongside key travel editors from titles including Lonely Planet, BBC, The Sun, Condé Nast Traveller and National Geographic Traveller.

The event marked an important media moment for the North East, bringing together more than 200 travel and media industry professionals to experience, share and champion the region. It also delivered a boost for the local economy, generating over 400 bed nights during the event and supporting hotels, restaurants and wider hospitality businesses across the area.

British DJ and BBC Radio 1 DJ Maia Beth welcomed delegates to the opening event at Tyneside Cinema and Fire Bar, Hotel Gotham. Born and bred in Washington and proudly connected to her North East roots, she showcased the region’s music scene, highlighting this year’s Mercury Prize Awards, which were being held in Newcastle for the second year running. Maia also performed a DJ set for invited guests and media as part of the evening.

The main networking event, the Connection Zone, took place at St James’ Park. This marketplace-style event saw exhibitors take part in 15-minute meetings with journalists. Media Getaway attendees also experienced a special show at Kynren, enjoying a preview of the outdoor extravaganza’s new Lost Feather show and Time Traveller’s Feast.

Alongside media attendees, the event welcomed delegates from international travel organisations including Meet Boston, Algarve Tourism, Destination Canada, Tourism Ireland and Visit Orlando, as well as representatives from regional tourism businesses including Bamburgh Castle, Beamish, Raby Estates, The Biscuit Factory, Newcastle Tour Company, hotels from across the North East and Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) NewcastleGateshead, Visit Northumberland and Visit County Durham.

The final day saw trips extend across the wider region, with itineraries bringing together heritage and history, food and drink, film and television, and coast and countryside.