News Article

An area known as ‘one of England’s Most Delightful Dales’ is set to make the headlines this Spring.

Wear Valley in the Durham Dales of County Durham will be the setting for a unique showcase event for travel writers from around the UK.

Commissioned by Wear Valley District Council and organised by Corbridge based tourism specialists Steve Reed Tourism Ltd, the ‘Weardale Travel Writer Showcase’ takes place 14-16 May.

The event will see travel writers, authors and broadcasters from around the country descend upon the Dale’s attractions, accommodation providers and tourist destinations during the two day visit.

Supported by the tourism businesses throughout Weardale, the event aims to attract new visitors and put the area’s tourism industry firmly on the map. It will include trips to Harperley POW Camp; the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope; the Weardale Museum and High House Chapel at Ireshopeburn and Killhope, The North of England Lead Mining Museum.

The guests will be sampling the warm hospitality of the dales during their stay when they will enjoy a variety of accommodation including hotels and guesthouses during their stay.

Tourism Promotion and Development Officer for Wear Valley District Council Mike Richardson said: “The Travel Writer Showcase is the first event of its type for our part of the North East and we think that it represents another step in our efforts to strengthen the District’s appeal to potential visitors.

“Over the last two or three years we have successfully generated new business for our local tourism economy by attracting dozens of high quality tour operators to our area – now we think we the time is right to build upon that by letting the travel media see what we have to offer.” 

John Holmes Director of Regeneration and Tourism for Regional Development Agency One North East said: “Events like the Travel Writer Showcase are important to make people aware of the complete tourist package that is available in Weardale in particular and throughout North East England.

“The tourism industry already contributes £1.8b to the region’s economy and Weardale has a huge amount to offer, from the fantastic scenery to the Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum which won the ‘Most Welcoming Experience’ at the recent North East England Tourism Awards.”

For further information about the event contact Mike Richardson on [01388] 761 578 or Steve Reed on 0786 7788 754
For more information on North East England tourism contact Stuart Boyd, One North East Press office on 01912296482.

*Please Note: Reporters and Photographers are invited to attend a special launch of this exciting event at Horsley hall Hotel at 11am on Wednesday 25th January. Horsley Hall is to be found just off the A689 between Stanhope and Eastgate.

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