Katarina Railko brings a wealth of knowledge from the heart of the hospitality and events sector. With her deep understanding of how major conferences catalyze regional growth, she is perfectly positioned to discuss Newcastle Gateshead’s recent win as the host city for the 2027 UKinbound Annual Convention. This event represents a pivotal moment for the North East, signaling a new era of international visibility and a more collaborative tourism strategy. In this conversation, we explore the logistical triumphs behind the winning bid, the transformative impact of the Destination Development Partnership, and how localized experiences are being leveraged to capture the global travel market.
With the 2027 convention set for Newcastle Gateshead, what specific features of The Glasshouse International Centre for Music helped secure the winning bid? How will this venue and others across the region be utilized to facilitate high-stakes B2B meetings for over 400 industry professionals?
The Glasshouse is an architectural and acoustic marvel that offers the kind of sophisticated infrastructure required for an event of this magnitude. Its ability to host large-scale sessions while providing intimate spaces for over 400 tourism professionals to network was a decisive factor in what has been described as an “exceptional” bid. We aren’t just looking at one room; the convention will utilize a network of venues across the heart of the region to create a dynamic environment for topical seminars and workshops. A full day is dedicated strictly to B2B meetings, where aviation leaders, tour operators, and accommodation providers can negotiate face-to-face. This physical proximity in such a world-class setting allows for the high-energy exchange of ideas that simply cannot be replicated virtually.
A four-year Destination Development Partnership pilot recently concluded in the North East. What specific shifts in travel trade engagement resulted from this initiative, and how has this collaborative model prepared the local tourism sector to handle the logistics of a major international flagship event?
The Destination Development Partnership (DDP) has been a total game-changer, moving the region away from fragmented marketing toward a unified, “joined-up” travel trade program. For the first time in over a decade, we’ve seen a concerted effort to align local attractions and transport companies under a single strategic vision. This four-year pilot has effectively unlocked the region’s untapped potential by fostering a culture of collaboration rather than competition. By the time 2027 arrives, the local sector will have had years of experience working as a single entity, which is vital for managing the complex logistics of a flagship convention. It has essentially built the professional muscle memory needed to host international trade buyers with seamless efficiency.
International buyers from the USA, Europe, and Asia are a primary focus for this convention. What specific regional assets—ranging from rural coastlines to urban centers—are being prioritized to attract these markets, and what metrics will be used to track the long-term growth of these partnerships?
To capture the attention of buyers from the USA, Europe, and Asia, the North East is leaning heavily into its varied landscape, showcasing everything from rugged rural coastlines to vibrant urban centers. We want these international players to see the region as a complete package—a place where you can experience world-class culture in Newcastle one hour and serene countryside the next. The success of these efforts will be measured by the increase in international visitor numbers and the volume of bookings facilitated by UKinbound operators, who currently handle over half of all inbound visits to the UK. Long-term growth will also be tracked through the diversity of itineraries created by these buyers, ensuring that visitors aren’t just stopping in the cities but exploring the entire region.
The event schedule includes specialized familiarization trips for inbound buyers. What is the step-by-step process for designing these tours to highlight untapped potential, and how do these first-hand experiences translate into increased bookings for local attractions, accommodation providers, and transport companies?
Designing these “fam trips” starts with a rigorous selection process to identify hidden gems that align with the specific interests of global tour operators. We curate a narrative that connects the dots between a luxury hotel, a historic attraction, and the transport links that tie them together seamlessly. By physically bringing these buyers to the North East, we allow them to experience the sensory details—the atmosphere of our towns and the scale of our landscapes—which builds the confidence they need to sell the destination. These first-hand experiences are the most effective way to turn a “maybe” into a confirmed booking, as buyers can personally vouch for the quality and accessibility of the region. When a buyer sees the effortless transition from an airport to a rural site, they are much more likely to sign the contracts that fill our hotels and tour buses.
Looking ahead to the 2027 date, what infrastructure or capacity-building projects must be completed to ensure the region can support increased visitor numbers? How will the legacy of this convention drive future investment and enhance the region’s reputation as a top-tier destination for global travelers?
Between now and 2027, the focus must be on enhancing our collective capacity to handle higher volumes of international travelers without losing the local charm that makes the North East unique. This involves continued investment in our hospitality workforce and ensuring our transport infrastructure is robust enough to handle a sudden influx of 400 high-level delegates and the thousands of tourists they represent. The convention is designed to be a catalyst for further investment, showcasing our region to the very people who control the flow of global tourism dollars. By demonstrating that we can host a flagship event of this caliber, we solidify our reputation as a top-tier destination capable of competing on a global stage. The ultimate legacy will be a region that is no longer “untapped” but is instead a primary fixture on any UK travel itinerary.
What is your forecast for the North East’s visitor economy?
My forecast for the North East’s visitor economy is one of robust, double-digit growth driven by a newfound synergy between the private sector and local governance. The successful bid for the 2027 convention is a clear signal that the region is ready to step out of the shadows and take its place as a major international hub. With the foundations laid by the DDP pilot, we are going to see a much more diverse array of international visitors, particularly from high-spending markets like the USA and Asia. As our regional assets become more integrated into global tour packages, the economic impact will be felt across the entire ecosystem, from independent boutique hotels to large-scale transport providers. We are entering a cycle of reinvestment where the success of this convention will provide the capital and confidence to expand our tourism offerings for decades to come.
