The Newcastle and Gateshead area in England’s North East is set to receive a boost of around £1 million, as more than 1,000 visitors descend on the destination for the Conservative Party Spring Forum today.

The event will immediately benefit local businesses, including conference venues, hotels, bars and restaurants, as well as cultural attractions and retailers. And with the national media spotlight focused firmly on the area, the event provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the destination to new national and international audiences, raising the profile of the area as a dynamic place to visit.

"We are delighted to be bringing our Spring Forum to NewcastleGateshead,” said Conservative Party Chairman Caroline Spelman MP. “This is a bold, inspired decision by our Party to venture to a new location."

NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau was instrumental in securing the two-day event, which is taking place at The Sage Gateshead on 14 and 15 March. The organisation’s head of business tourism, Jessica Roberts, said: "Hosting an event of this calibre is a fantastic coup for us and a testament to the growing reputation we have as one of the UK's leading business destinations.

“As well as bringing in valuable investment to the local economy and supporting local business, the region's tourism market will also benefit as we believe many delegates will return with families and friends in the future for leisure breaks.”

The bureau strongly believes in adding value to conferences and has introduced the Conservative Party to two innovative services. All delegates will be given the new NewcastleGateshead Delegate Welcome Pack, full of useful information, maps, entertainment guides and special discount offers for many of the regional attractions.

Also included is a dedicated Conference Travel Card, which allows event organisers to offer delegates unlimited travel on the Tyne and Wear Metro system, as well as local Quaylink buses.