New innovation programme to boost North East tourism and hospitality businesses

North East hospitality, tourism and food and drink businesses are being encouraged to become members of an innovation programme aimed at boosting the sector.

The Hospitality, Innovation Tourism Supply (HITS) programme has been launched to help bring more innovative ideas and solutions into the visitor offer.

Funded by North of Tyne Combined Authority, the programme is being led by NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI) in partnership with Food and Drink North East (FADNE) and NBSL, which support companies in the region to access grants and mentoring.

Businesses are now being invited to become members of the programme to ensure they get exclusive access to workshops, networking events, and industry experts and insights as well as the most up-to-date information on grants available.

The programme’s aims are thus: Improve skills and increase collaboration between tourism companies, including those in the supply chain; raise awareness of local products and independent businesses to a wider audience, and help increase the adoption of digital and/or green technologies.

A blend of expert training, technology solutions, and funding, the HITS programme brings together organisations and expertise from across the region and beyond to seed and support ideas on how to improve the North of Tyne tourism, food, drink, and hospitality sector.

The first members-only event will take place on Tuesday November 8 at The Core, Newcastle, and will focus on the challenges faced by the industries and how to use innovation to overcome them. It will also update businesses on match-funding available.

Elected Metro Mayor for the North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll will be attending the event and welcoming companies to the programme. He commented: “We often talk about the ‘business community’. But running a business can sometimes feel isolating. We know that good things happen when we work together and share ideas.

“So, we’ve stuck in a bit of cash to help our local hospitality and tourism sectors do exactly that. In the aftermath of the pandemic, and in the midst of the cost of living crisis, our industries will be stronger if we help each other out.”

Sarah Green, chief executive, NGI, added: “The hospitality, tourism and food and drink industry continue to face extreme challenges, with the impact of the pandemic still being felt and now a cost of living crisis changing consumers’ behaviours.

“It is now more important than ever that businesses come together to look at ways of improving their offer through effective, innovative solutions.”

By Matthew Neville – Correspondent, Bdaily

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