Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership’s (TVCRP) Tourism Development Intern has taken the area by storm following a recent presentation in front of over 100 local businesses.
Matthew Barrett, appointed September 2018 from Northumbria University, was introduced to the partnership to strengthen the knowledge of tourism in the area, as well as develop new relationships with visitor attractions.
Since Matthew’s appointment TVCRP now have a collection of detailed reports relating to travel and tourism along the route, he’s updating the TVCRP website and in the process of planning the Partnership’s biggest Community Rail in the City event to date, set to be held in May at Glasgow Central Station.
Arguably his biggest achievement so far was presenting the report he put together ‘How to Improve Tourism by Rail’ at the annual Hadrian’s Wall Partnership Conference Day, hosted by Lady Jane Gibson.
John Scott, Hadrian’s Wall Management Plan Coordinator, said of Matthew’s achievement ‘The work Matthew has produced will certainly improve the marketing of visiting attractions by public transport. After I read the report I knew the delegates at the conference would be very interested in the results, as well as it being an opportunity for Matthew to present to a large audience, of which I know he was very nervous about doing so! The information produced is certainly unique and will change people’s mind-set in how we promote the area going forward’.
Fiona Forsythe, TVCRP Officer, has heavily praised Matthew’s recent work ‘Following the presentation of Matthew’s paper at the conference we now have a World Heritage Site and Transport Group being formed. Matthew’s positive and can-do attitude has meant he’s developed his public speaking skills and brought together the community. We have to thank CrossCountry for funding the post through the Community Engagement Fund and making all this possible’.
Notes to editors:
Hadrian’s Wall is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The full title of the designation is ‘Frontiers of the Roman Empire’ https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/430
Hadrian’s Wall https://hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/ stretches for 80 miles for coast to coast and a further 70 miles along the Cumbrian Coast. There a multiple businesses, charities, landowners, local authorities working together to conserve and promote the WHS.
The UNESCO site is managed through the Hadrian's Wall Management Plan.
The Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership is a not for profit limited company. TVCRP Officer is Fiona Forsythe, who may be contacted on
Published 1 March 2019