A SEASONAL wildlife diary and images of the North Pennines looking its best are being used to tempt visitors back to the area and help the tourist economy.
The North Pennines AONB Partnership has launched a tourism toolkit for accommodation providers, attractions and visitor-focused businesses.
In addition to photos and the wildlife diary, the online toolkit includes example marketing copy, outdoor events guidance, a compendium of relevant social media links and an invitation to get involved with the North Pennines Tourism Network.
These resources are designed to be used on an ongoing basis, but AONB officials say they will be particularly useful for tourism businesses as the Covid-19 restrictions are eased.
Shane Harris, tourism lead with the North Pennines AONB Partnership, said: “The North Pennines is a fantastic place to visit – a stunning upland landscape of wide-open moors, flower-rich hay meadows, intimate woods, inky-black night skies, charismatic wildlife, fascinating industrial heritage, tumbling rivers and dramatic waterfalls.
The tourism toolkit is designed to help tourism businesses really focus on what makes the area distinct, exciting and attractive to potential customers.
“As local businesses re-open under Government guidelines, we hope that the copyright-free images, marketing copy, logos and other resources will provide a sparkle to entice responsible visitors back to the AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark – supporting their viability and contributing to the economic life of the North Pennines,” he added.
Central to the toolkit are the North Pennines locator logos which help businesses, charities and individuals to benefit from being located in, or operating in, the North Pennines AONB and geopark.
The logos help to identify the North Pennines as a great place to live, work and visit.
Mr Harris said take up has been good with almost 100 businesses requesting access and using the logos.
The toolkit is free to access to and use – all businesses need to do is sign up to a Responsible Tourism Charter and complete a short online application form.
Full details are available on the North Pennines AONB Partnership website.
