THE visit of more than 1,000 Conservative Party members earlier this month boosted the North-East economy by about £1m, tourism bosses have said.

About 1,500 people attended the Conservative Party Spring Forum, held at The Sage Gateshead on March 14 and 15, staying in Tyneside hotels and eating at quayside restaurants.

It was the first time in a generation the Tories had held such a high-profile conference in the North-East and put the region in the national media spotlight.

Many delegates travelled hundreds of miles to attend the event and organisers say they went away with an overwhelmingly positive impression.

Stephen Ellis, who travelled from Staffordshire, said: "I fell in love with the place and the people - both so warm and welcoming.

"The place felt like home. I have never been to NewcastleGateshead before but I'm definitely coming back.

"I loved it from the moment I arrived to the moment I left. It was a real shame I have to leave."

Jessica Roberts, head of business tourism at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said: "Hosting an event of this calibre is a fantastic coup for us and a testament to the growing reputation we have as one of the UK's leading business destinations.

"As well as bringing in a £1m immediate boost to the local economy and supporting local businesses, the region's tourism market has also benefited as we believe many delegates will return with families and friends in the future for leisure breaks."

Conservative Party chairman Caroline Spelman MP said: "We are delighted that we brought our Spring Forum to NewcastleGateshead.

"It was a bold, inspired decision by our party to venture to a new location and we couldn't have found a more accommodating and welcoming venue than The Sage Gateshead."

The Labour Party held its spring conference at The Sage Gateshead in February 2005.