An innovative conference travel scheme, launched by NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau and North East travel operator Nexus, has proved to be a real hit with conference organisers as ticket sales have reached the 1,000 mark.

The NewcastleGateshead Conference Travel Card is the destination’s first ever dedicated travel offer for people attending conferences in the locality. The scheme allows organisers to offer their delegates unlimited travel on the Tyne and Wear Metro system and low-emission Quaylink buses, throughout the duration of their conference.

“NewcastleGateshead was recognised by Condé Nast Traveller Magazine as the easiest UK city to get around, and we’ve made it cost effective, too, with the introduction of the Conference Travel Card,” said Jessica Roberts, head of business tourism at the NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau. “Conference organisers can now offer their delegates a great opportunity to experience the area’s fantastic attractions, from golden sandy beaches to world-class galleries and museums, and leave them with lasting memories of their conference.”

So far, the Conference Travel Card Scheme has provided more than 1,000 delegates with an average of three days’ free travel, and an opportunity to get out and see what NewcastleGateshead has to offer.

Dr Keith Brewster, organiser of the Society for Latin American Studies annual conference, was one of the many event organisers to buy conference travel cards for his delegates. “Beyond the conference itself, one of the things that attracted most favourable comments was the Conference Travel Card,” he said. “This was the first time that many of the delegates had come across such a facility and it created the impression that the conference organisers were really paying attention to detail and thinking about the practicalities of moving around in an unfamiliar place.”

Tyne and Wear passenger transport executive Bernard Garner highlights both the convenience and environmentally friendly nature of the travel card scheme. "It takes just 20 minutes by Metro from Newcastle Airport to the city centre, and our ultra-low emission Quaylink buses are the easiest way to access the attractions of the Quaysides,” he said. "We are offering visitors to Newcastle-Gateshead an easy and good-value way to reach hotels and venues or travel round the area."