MORE than 130 tourism firms have joined a scheme to raise awareness of their area and attract more visitors.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage, the not for profit company promoting the area, has put together the Hadrian AD2022 venture to mark what will be the wall’s 1900th anniversary in 11 years’ time.

The World Heritage Site around Hadrian’s Wall already attracts millions of tourists annually, but research shows there is still room to grow the number of visitors.

It is estimated that with continued investment, the visitor spend can be increased by a further £300m annually by 2029 – potentially giving the wall a £1bn per year economic impact and creating more than 6,000 jobs.

The Hadrian AD2022 programme provides businesses with direct access to all Hadrian’s Wall Country marketing campaign activity. It includes networking opportunities, plus access to goods and services to help increase income.

Hadrian’s Wall Heritage chief executive Linda Tuttiett said: “We’re delighted to have so many businesses on board already. Hadrian AD2022 promotes member businesses and contributes to the conservation and protection of the World Heritage Site.

“Hadrian’s Wall will celebrate its 1900th anniversary in 2022 and over the next 10 years we aim to continue with our ambitious plans to deliver an investment programme to create the largest, most compelling visitor and learning destination in Europe right across the World Heritage Site.”

In 2010 there were 3.5 million staying visitors in Hadrian’s Wall Country who generated £880m for the local economy.