TOURISM businesses along the North York Moors coast will gather for a special event to celebrate and promote the work being done to raise the region’s profile.

The Big Bash, at the Spa Hotel in Saltburn on March 1, is being organised by the North York Moors National Park as part of its destination campaign funded by the Coastal Communities Fund (CCF).

The free event will outline the successes already achieved after six months of the two-year ‘Moor to Sea’ CCF project and the National Park’s future plans to work with businesses to maximise tourism.

Speakers will include Will Hide, a former travel journalist for The Times, who will advise businesses on achieving more editorial coverage in the travel and lifestyle press.

Meanwhile Mike Hawtin, outdoor activities tourism officer for the National Park will explain the inroads being made to appeal to new higher spending audiences who want an outdoors adventure.

For instance a significant amount of work has been done to increase the cycle-friendly facilities and capitalise on the visitor interest in dark skies.

Catriona McLees, head of promotion and tourism for the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “We are already well ahead of our initial project targets for engaging with businesses and providing support as well as developing themed, experience-led breaks that will appeal to higher spending visitors with a special interest in say nature, literature and art.”