Putting us on map

Sep 27 2005 By Helen Logan Evening Gazette

Attracting major events to the region can bring substantial economic spin-offs.

For example, the impact of the Tall Ships sailing in to the Tees and the Tyne was considerable.

The races attracted more than 1.5m visitors, with hotel room occupancy rates across the region showing an increase of 21pc when compared with the same period in 2004.

In Tyne and Wear, where the vessels spent most of their stay, the boost was even more marked, rising from 56pc last year to 91pc in 2005.

Similar research is going to be conducted on behalf of regional development agency One NorthEast on the back of the Seve Trophy.

It will provide a valuable insight into the behaviour and needs of visitors and should prove crucial when attracting and organising future events.

The Seve Trophy is the biggest sports event to be staged on Teesside and was held over four days at Wynyard.

Another benefit of securing such prestigious competitions - you would have thought - is that it helps put the area on the map.

And in some quarters this has been the case, with national papers saying the Seve Trophy was being held near Stockton or near Middlesbrough.

But, according to a business contact, on national radio it was said that the top golfing contest was being held 30 miles south of Newcastle.

While more or less geographically accurate - give or take the odd mile - this will infuriate Teessiders.

For many still feel we are living in Tyneside's shadow, although much has been done in recent years by various powers-that-be to try to remedy this.