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The trade event, which took place at Willowburn Leisure Centre on March 20, saw business owners in the tourism industry networking, sharing tips with others, discovering new suppliers, collecting information for visitors and learning about local developments.

The event had over 100 exhibitors take part from Northumberland and the Scottish Borders, to showcase their products and services, including tourist attractions, food and drink suppliers, professional services and local businesses.

Jakob Cross, organiser, said: “It’s been great feedback so far and it’s great to see the local business community thriving.

Karen Larkin from the Bamburgh Castle team.

"This is the second year back since Covid and we’ve had a really good turn out this year.

"The attendees have been making good connections, speaking to people, doing business and this is what we want for the local community.”

Guests also had the opportunity to chat with with like-minded people about the challenges facing the tourism industry in Northumberland, which continues to welcome an increasing number of tourists each year.

Many exhibitors used the event to show their vast range of services or products to both returning and first time visitors who were there to make valuable connections.

Pippa Willitts, of Friendly Hound Studio and Accommodation and Jacqueline Kurio, who provides beach labyrinth experiences, shared a stand for their natural and well-being focussed services.

Lucy Edwards, curator at Northumberland Zoo, said: “We’ve had a really good day today, it’s been really positive. There’s been so many people visiting our stall that have maybe never been to the zoo before or they haven’t been in quite a long time. We’ve expanded and developed so much over the last couple of years that it’s really exciting that so many people have seen us today and want to come and visit.”

The hall was filled with happy chatter, with the overall feedback being a gratefulness for having a such an event that allows business owners to get their name out, meet friendly faces and look forward to each year.

Jannick Genouw, of Taste of Northumbria, said: “It’s amazing having this in March just before the start of the season for everybody that owns cottages and B&Bs around to come and visit all these local producers. It does the world of good to support local and I’m looking forward to the next few weeks with the start of the summer season.”

Due to the growing success of the event, the next fair has already been confirmed as March 19, 2025.

Northumberland Tourism Fair hailed as another great success