Tourism on the Tees

Not that long ago I spent almost a full month down by the River Tees getting young people into sporting activities, but whilst down there I discovered that on most days the River was quiet and not many people taking advantage of this great resource we have.

So, after finding time to take a break I ventured over to Preston Park Museum and Grounds to hop aboard the River Shack boat that ferries people from the Park to Yarm and back. It was splendid.

I got chatting to the people who organise the day to day activities and found out that they had the same ideas as me, although they have the funds to go through with it. The discussion was all about bringing visitors in to the area and to get them spending money in our economy, which is exactly what I have been saying for years.

So after spending a few hours in Yarm, having a bite to eat and a pint or two I hopped back onto the boat to head back to Preston park, this time the boat was full of families and individuals who had seen it advertised on Social Media and the trip was made more delightful by the passing of the Teesside Princess, which made children and parents wave frantically to those passing by.

Reaching Preston Park we could see the next crowd waiting to jump aboard ready to set off to Yarm.

I remember a few year ago when I was sat in a meeting of a local authority when the topic of Tourism cropped up and the main resource available to us was left out, instead wanting to focus on retail and events to bring people in to the area.

It's my opinion that we have a resource that is our greatest asset when it comes to Tourism, yet it is undervalued and under promoted as a place to come and explore. We have an International White Water Centre that is unknown to those that live on its very banks, so what message is getting out to try and attract more people here, the mind wonders.

I wish River Shack all the best, I think it is a great pilot to try and get more activities on the River, all we need is someone passionate enough in our council to realise the full potential of our greatest resource.

Comments

Darlington Library

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