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 Service, 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 Service.

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 Experience North East England and how does it relate to Visit Northumberland?

Experience North East England (ENEE) is the destination marketing agency and strategic visitor economy body for the North East of England. Funded directly from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (NEMSA), ENEE leads activity to deliver a shared ambition of doubling the value of the visitor economy over the next decade. It provides regional leadership and delivers activity that is most effective at a regional scale, whilst supporting the work of local destinations and Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs).

Visit Northumberland remains the official VisitEngland-accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) for Northumberland and continues to be the primary point of contact for tourism businesses in the county. We lead destination management, place marketing, business engagement and visitor experience improvement, product and itinerary development locally.

As a Visit Northumberland partner, we are the primary conduit for your business to access and benefit from regional programmes and opportunities delivered through Experience North East England, including:

• Inbound marketing to grow UK and international visitor numbers
• Product development to showcase and grow the region's visitor experiences
• Event strategic management, including support for high-value conferences and major event

Visit Northumberland works closely with Experience North East England and fellow LVEPs across the region to ensure Northumberland retains its unique identity and local focus while benefiting from the scale, reach and investment that regional working can deliver.

Our relationship with Experience North East England is designed to be additive, not duplicative. The regional approach strengthens local destination delivery rather than replacing it, ensuring Northumberland retains its distinctive identity, local expertise and industry relationships while benefiting from greater regional reach, investment and influence.

Through one local point of contact, businesses therefore gain access to both local support through Visit Northumberland and regional, national and international opportunities through Experience North East England and initiatives that help grow the visitor economy across Northumberland and the wider North East.