(Image: Steve Brock)
Two Geordies are launching a venture to attract more visitors to the North East’s attractions beyond football and support businesses in the region.
North Tyneside pair Fiona Surrey and Mark Breillat founded The Geordieland Experience to showcase the region and encourage longer stays.
Ms Surrey said: "Someone might come here because they want to watch Newcastle United, but why should their experience stop when the final whistle goes?
"We can show them the history, the culture, the food, the Quayside, the bridges, the coast and everything else the North East has to offer.
"If we can turn a two-day visit into a week-long experience, that benefits the whole region."
The venture brings together Tourism, Hospitality and Events — what the founders call the “THE ecosystem” — to support businesses across the North East.
They are developing a digital platform that puts accommodation, match tickets, activities and dining in one place.
Their “Rent a Geordie” service offers a more personal touch.
The service acts as a concierge, tour guide and organiser, from airport pick-up to the end of a visitor’s stay.
The service is already arranging a week-long Newcastle stay for a visitor from San Francisco, arriving on Christmas Eve and returning home on New Year’s Eve.
Mr Breillat said: "We want people coming here for the first time to feel looked after.
"We want them to have such a fantastic experience that they go home and tell their friends about Newcastle and then come back with their pals.
"Our aim is to have visitors arrive as tourists and leave as friends, ambassadors and, hopefully, regulars.
"We are so very proud of our region, and we want to share our passion with others so they never forget the experience.
"That is where the real opportunity is."
The pair say international visitors are especially keen to experience more than football.
Ms Surrey said: "To see their faces when they see the bridges and the Quayside for the first time is absolutely priceless.
"You can’t put a price on it."
Every extra night brings more revenue for the region’s hotels, restaurants, bars, attractions, shops, transport providers, tour operators and event venues.
Ms Surrey said: "It’s about keeping the money within our local economy.
"We want to connect the visitor with local businesses and make sure that when they come here, they experience as much of the North East as possible."
Both founders bring years of experience to the venture.
Ms Surrey has worked in retail and technology, while Mr Breillat has worked in sales and operations across the UK and Europe.
He returned to the North East in 2022 to launch Travel Buddy Newcastle, which led to The Geordieland Experience.
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The business is IATA and TIDS registered, and the founders say they are ready to grow.
Ms Surrey said: "We are 100 per cent investment ready.
"If there are passionate people out there who believe in Newcastle, believe in the North East and want to be part of what we’re building, we’d love to have a conversation."