TOURISM chiefs are hoping to encourage more German visitors to experience the region’s delights.

The Tees Valley Combined Authority and Visit County Durham are two of several organisations who will share a £1m fund being financed by the Government.

Money from the Discover England fund will be spent on creating a new 300-mile touring route between London and Northumberland that combines well-known visitor destinations with those that are off-the beaten track.

New itineraries will be developed that bring together attractions, accommodation options, places to eat and activities to create a route that is culturally rich and quintessentially English.

Dave Budd, Tees Valley Combined Authority cabinet member for culture, said: “From the river that knits our region together and the unmistakable Roseberry Topping to our action-packed activities and industrial heritage, Tees Valley really is something special.

“We are the perfect destination for tourists looking for a trip with a difference.

“This Discover England funding for the East of England Touring Route will help new international visitors find out what makes Tees Valley tick, while providing a welcome boost to businesses and our vital tourism industry.

“I look forward to working to promote our area further in this exciting scheme.

“In this area we already have many industrial and commercial links with Germany, not least through our town-twinning arrangements, so starting with Germany as a target market makes good sense.”

Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham, said: “Durham has so much for international visitors to experience and this project will help us to attract more people to visit and enjoy what we have to offer. 

“In addition to showcasing the well-known visitor attractions of Durham City and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Durham Cathedral and Castle, this investment will encourage German visitors to explore the county’s historic towns such as Bishop Auckland and Barnard Castle and introduce them to world-class attractions including The Bowes Museum, the Auckland Project, Beamish Museum and Raby Castle.”

Sarah Stewart, chief executive of the NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “We are delighted to secure this funding and also to be working closely with our partners on this exciting project.

“The touring route will bring economic benefits to the region and is a great opportunity for businesses to attract international visitors.”