Key Visitor Economy Developments

Tours that traverse the North of England showcase the region’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The itineraries include single-day to four-day trips, which features Durham Castle and Cathedral; and a five-day trip spectacular that includes all six World Heritage sites.

Why a UNESCO World Heritage Site is important to your business

World Heritage Site designation is managed by UNESCO. The main aim of which is to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the world considered to be of outstanding value to humanity.

There are over 1,300 WHS in the world and there are currently 31 sites in the UK.

World Heritage Sites in the UK cover a broad thematic range, including archaeological sites, seats of power, industrial sites, natural sites, sites related to the early Christian Church, and 18th century ensembles. 

The benefits of a World Heritage Site to the visitor economy and your business:

• The internationally renowned designation can provide ‘quality assurance’ for visitors
• It can enhance a destination’s profile through comparisons with other well-known destinations
• Destinations with a WHS site have been known to attract higher spending, cultural visitors
• It enhances destination distinctiveness through uniqueness and authenticity

How to Get Involved

The legacy of the project will be the creation of bespoke, bookable itineraries of between one and five days, highlighting northern England’s deep contribution to the world’s cultural patrimony. 

In order to help local businesses clustered in and around the World Heritage Sites, the project has produced this business engagement toolkit designed to help local businesses make full use of their connections to their local World Heritage Sites. This includes information on the significance of world heritage status, how world heritage status can benefit you and how to effectively market that connection to your client base.