Region shown as holiday hot-spot

Tourism is a major part of the region's economy

Landmarks across the north-east of England are to be shown in a national television advertisement aimed at promoting it as a visitor destination.

Aerial shots of the region's coastline and countryside, along with footage of some of the dining and shopping destinations, will feature on screen.

Regional development agency One North East commissioned the campaign.

The group hopes to capitalise on the growing trend for people to take holidays in the UK.

Viewers seeing the advert, which will be first shown on Friday, will be directed to the agency's newly updated website, visitnortheastengland.com.

The coastline at Boulby is featured in the advert

Tourism boost

The advert will also be shown in Australia following a similar campaign there in 2008.

Stacy Hall from One North East said: "Tourism is a major part of the region's economy worth nearly £4bn and employing more than 60,000 people.

"In the last five years there has been a 30% increase in tourism revenue and the number of overnight visitors has risen by 12% since 2003 from eight to nine million.

"One North East's continued investment in tourism is particularly important in the year ahead when it is predicted even more people will be opting for a holiday in the UK, given the current economic climate and the exchange rates."