The plans are designed to make the city more welcoming to coach parties, operators and drivers alike at the start of the festive season
The CPT says it is delighted to announce a new coach pilot scheme launching in conjunction with Newcastle Christmas Market, NE1 BID and Destination North East, which it says is hoped to showcase the city as a premium destination for coach travel, not just during the festive season but year-round.
On the weekends of Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November, and Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, the CPT is inviting coach operators to participate in an exclusive trial designed to enhance the visitor experience and demonstrate Newcastle’s potential as a coach-friendly city. Key features include:
● A reserved central coach drop-off and pick-up point at College Street, around a two-minute walk to the city’s main shopping hub, with staff on hand to support pick-ups and drop-offs and ensure a warm welcome before coaches proceed to the parking location;
● Longer-stay coach parking at a secure site, offering up to 12-hour parking at Northumbria University’s City Campus East car park, around a 10 minute walk from the city centre, where a member of staff will be on hand to welcome and assist drivers and guide them to their designated bays;
● A coach driver welcome pack on arrival, including two complimentary hot drinks vouchers redeemable at a dedicated
city-centre premises, and exclusive discount cards for all adult passengers for deals across the city centre.
The CPT says the goal of the pilot scheme is to demonstrate the viability and value of increased coach travel into Newcastle. Last year, over 1.7 million people visited the city’s Christmas markets, in which over 75% of traders came from within a 20-mile radius.
The pilot scheme offers a highly marketable festive day out, says the CPT, and one which has clear customer appeal. Operators interested in taking part are invited to contact info@newcastlene1ltd. com for more information.
