Overview
- The Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) 2025 assessment shows the North East had 70.38 million visits in 2025 and a visitor economy worth £7.13 billion.
- County Durham recorded almost 22 million visitors with a £1.48 billion visitor economy, and Northumberland topped 11 million visitors with a £1.58 billion value, each reporting record sub‑regional results.
- The North East Combined Authority and Mayor Kim McGuinness pledged £7 million to the newly rebranded Experience North East England to be spent across four pillars: inbound marketing, product development, strategic events, and partnerships.
- ENNE plans to target near‑market European audiences including the Nordics, Netherlands and Germany and to prioritise improved connectivity such as the DFDS North Shields–Amsterdam ferry and airline links at Newcastle to lengthen stays.
- The sector employed 63,600 people in 2025 but faces a dip in overnight stays to 7.7 million, hospitality closures and seasonal demand, so officials say the new funding must convert awareness into sustained bookings and off‑peak visits.