BUSINESS owners in Northumberland's tourism sector will get a first look at a new brand and digital offer at a high profile event on Thursday.

The event, which will be attended by a number of national industry experts, will reveal the new-look branding for Visit Northumberland developed by Northumberland County Council and Northumberland Tourism.

The two organisations came together to accelerate and revitalise the support to the visitor economy.

A new website was been developed in conjunction with award-winning advertising and marketing agency Drummond Central.

It will offer visitors to the website the chance to be "immersed in endless experiences hsowcasing the very best that Northumberland has to offer," according to the county council.

There is also a new online listing and booking system for businesses.

The move represents a high level investment by the county council, with the aim of ensuring Northumberland can offer a world-class digital experience for visitors.

It is hoped the digital offer will put Northumberland in "a different league" to other regions.

The event, with the brand and digital reveal, also aims to bring businesses together with industry leaders to hear their thoughts on recovery after COVID-19, and to explore future opportunities.

Participants will have the opportunity to hear first hand from industry leaders including Patricia Yates from VisitBritain, Bernard Donoghue from the Association of Leisure and Visitor Attractions, and from Tourism Alliance Director, Kurt Janson.

Coun. Cath Homer, cabinet member for arts, culture, leisure and tourism said: “This event will showcase the new brand and high quality digital offer which we have been working on to bring to the tourism industry.

"Drummond Central has worked with us to capture the passion, quality and stunning imagery that we are able to bring to people across the world, enticing them to enjoy a great visitor experience in Northumberland.

"We are really pleased to now have a newly formed Visit Northumberland Team which is focused on delivering the very best for tourism in Northumberland and this is an exciting offer for businesses at no cost.”

Peter Jackson, leader of Northumberland County Council added: “The County Council has invested heavily to ensure that tourism in Northumberland can prosper despite the challenges of recovery that are upon us.

"Bringing visitors to Northumberland is important for our economy and we have many residents employed within the industry, who are able to offer a warm welcome to our visitors locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

“The County Council is proud to be able to play its part supporting tourism businesses throughout the county, and we are delighted that we are able to bring forward this exciting initiative, brand and product to support the industry when they need it most.”

This free webinar is available to tourism businesses small and large across Northumberland.

It is expected to sell out, so interested parties should register their interest via eventbrite.