A ROADSHOW aimed at shaping the way tourism is delivered in the region is reassuring business about the future of the industry.

The tourism tour organised by regional agency One NorthEast is visiting 12 locations. Tourist businesses are encouraged to share their views about the way the industry should be run.

Despite disputes after it was announced the agency would be taking over the marketing of the region from Northumbria Tourist Board (NTB), the two organisations are now working together.

At one roadshow, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, this week, One NorthEast's tourism manager, John Sargent, said many people were finding the event very useful.

He said: "Some of the businesses have clearly been very confused over the past few months by everything that's going on.

"People haven't come here to have a moan, they've come here to find out what we're doing."

However, NTB's chairman of business members, Hugh Becker, who was also at Barnard Castle, said more consultation was needed.

He said: "I feel this may be a bit too early as people are asking some questions to which there are no answers at the moment. However, it's a good opportunity for people to make contact with people from One NorthEast."

It is expected the NTB will voluntarily wind up later this month and all 38 staff will be transferred to the agency.

For information about the roadshows, call 0191-229 6301, or the tourism helpline on 0191-229 6757.