The Northumberland scheme is backed by European money

A three-year project designed to boost tourism has been drawn up by the Northumberland National Park Authority with financial support from the government and the European Union.

The sustainable tourism project aims to tackle the many issues and concerns surrounding the tourism industry in the region.

Those issues include addressing the concerns of businesses, residents, and visitors.

It is hoped to attract more customers and ensure visitors spend money in the local community.

Visitors will be told where can they walk, what can they see and how can they make the most of their time and obtain information.

The project is one of a string of initiatives supported under the Leader+ programme in North Northumberland and the North Pennines.

It is a European Community initiative, managed in England by Defra, which promotes dynamic rural communities and economies by funding grass-roots projects.

Local benefit

Kim Hobson, Sustainable Tourism Officer for Northumberland National Park Authority, said: "We have to strike a balance between the needs of local businesses and residents and our visitors.

"Clearly attracting more visitors to the area, encouraging them to spend more time and money here, will benefit local businesses and residents, but we have to ensure residents' quality of life and the local environment does not suffer as a result."

The new project will develop "things to do" in and around the National Park based on the special qualities of the area - landscape, wildlife, culture, traditions and tranquillity.

Schemes will also be developed to link tourism and conservation.

Visitor payback schemes, already proving successful in other areas of the country, are being trialled in the National Park and voluntary donations will go directly to local conservation projects.