Newcastle Gateshead ranked top English city break destination


In the latest UK-wide survey of the best places to visit, NewcastleGateshead has once again claimed its place as the nation’s favourite English city break destination.

The Guardian / Observer Travel Awards remain the best measure of attitudes to the travel industry as they directly reflect the experiences of 22,000 consumers across Britain.  

For the third consecutive year, NewcastleGateshead is ranked third in the ‘Favourite UK City’ category of the 2004 awards. Edinburgh and Glasgow achieved first and second place, making NewcastleGateshead the top destination in England.

Seaham Hall Hotel and Serenity Spa, located just 20 minutes from the heart of NewcastleGateshead, also tops ‘Best Spa Break’ - a brand new category for 2004.

Neil Rami, Chief Executive of destination marketing agency Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, said: “This survey demonstrates that NewcastleGateshead is maintaining its popularity with visitors - consistently coming out as the people’s choice.

“As well as the iconic architecture, wealth of cultural attractions and lively, cosmopolitan nightlife that we have to offer, customer service undoubtedly plays an important part in the overall visitor experience and our achievement in this survey demonstrates that visitors feel we are performing well in all areas.

“Acclaim from people who’ve directly experienced NewcastleGateshead as visitors is a tremendous boost as we move forward with new campaigns to market the city as a world-class city break destination. We’re now competing on an international stage for UK and overseas visitors, big events and conferences alongside some of Europe’s leading cultural hotspots.”

Neil Rami added: “Seaham Hall’s achievement as the UK’s best spa break clearly illustrates the world-class accommodation and facilities in and around NewcastleGateshead which are drawing visitors back to the area time and again. “

Newcastle Gateshead Initiative is the marketing agency tasked with selling the city across the UK and overseas.  Its award-winning communications campaigns have raised the international profile to an unprecedented level, resulting in a dramatic boost in visitors from around the world.

Jocelyn Maxfield, Commercial Director of Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa said: “As the region’s leading hotel and spa, we’re delighted to have been named ‘Best Spa Break’ in the Guardian / Observer Travel Awards and to have helped NewcastleGateshead achieve this tremendous accolade.

“Since we opened Seaham Hall, we’ve picked up a steady stream of awards, proving that the North East is way ahead in terms of service and style.”

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