Pilot scheme encourages Newcastle festive coach visits
A festive pilot scheme is being launched to encourage coach operators to include Newcastle in their Christmas tour programmes.
The initiative has been organised and funded by the area’s business improvement group NE1, with support from Newcastle City Council, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) and Destination North East England. It aims to put Newcastle on the coach tour map, positioning the city as a must-visit destination at Christmas and throughout the year, highlighting its appeal to coach groups and tour planners.
Two pre-Christmas weekends have been set aside for the trial:
- 15 and 16 November
- 6 and 7 December
To make it easier and more accessible for touring coaches to visit and park in the city centre, designated, centralised city centre drop-off points and long-term parking bays will be set aside during the trial.
Visitors will be able to disembark from coaches in the heart of the city centre and be close to the Christmas Markets, the other city-wide festivities and all of Newcastle’s offerings.
Additionally, coach drivers are to be given a package of food and drink vouchers over the pilot weekends. Passengers will also enjoy a range of exclusive discounts in city centre venues.
The pilot coach scheme is intended to test demand and provide the facilities and infrastructure to support coach tourism in the future.
“By providing a streamlined and welcoming experience for both operators and passengers, we are confident that this will support future coach-friendly travel to Newcastle and grow visitor numbers” – Andrew McGuinness Regional Manager (North of England) for CPT
Andrew McGuinness, Regional Manager (North of England) for CPT, said: “We’re delighted to have worked with NE1 on this pilot project and are confident that it will demonstrate to coach operators and their customers that Newcastle is a top-tier destination and a must-visit city for coach trips, especially at Christmas. By providing a streamlined and welcoming experience for both operators and passengers, we are confident that this will support future coach-friendly travel to Newcastle and grow visitor numbers.”
Coach operators can book directly with Newcastle NE1 by contacting: [email protected].
Spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.