The Great North: Northern England Launches Ambitious Tourism Drive Targeting India’s Growing Travel Market

The North of England is setting its sights on India, launching a collaborative campaign under “The Great North” banner to secure a larger portion of the surging Indian inbound tourism market. As the United Kingdom prepares for a projected boom in visitors from the subcontinent, Northern leaders are positioning their region as a must-visit, high-value destination.

Recent data suggests that by 2030, the Indian market will grow into a £1.5 billion inbound sector for the UK, representing a 71% increase from 2026 figures. With VisitBritain forecasting nearly 600,000 visits from India this year alone—generating an estimated £865 million—the North is eager to move beyond the traditional London-centric tourism model to encourage international guests to travel further, stay longer, and contribute more to local economies.

A Unified Northern Front

The campaign was officially highlighted during the first joint trade mission of its kind, featuring Northern Mayors and tourism partners meeting with 150 key travel buyers and media representatives in New Delhi and Mumbai. The initiative, which falls under the wider “GREAT Britain & Northern Ireland” umbrella, aims to weave together the distinct identities of Northern cities and regions into a cohesive, compelling national narrative.

Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor and chair of The Great North, emphasized the importance of showcasing the region’s diverse assets to an international audience.

“We want Indian visitors to enjoy everything Britain has to offer, but to travel further, stay longer, and experience more,” McGuinness stated. “From our great cities and spectacular landscapes to Premier League football, international cricket, castles, culture, and coastline, the North has an incredible amount to offer.”

Cultural Appeal and Strategic Growth

The appeal of the North lies in its rich mix of heritage, modern entertainment, and world-class sporting institutions. Mayors from across the region are highlighting specific attractions to draw interest. Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, underscored the area’s global cultural footprint.

“The Liverpool City Region is the UK’s cultural capital, home to The Beatles, two Premier League football clubs, and an internationally renowned music, arts, and cultural scene,” Rotheram noted. He added that through the unified strength of The Great North, regional leaders are working to ensure that international travel itineraries are not only easier to plan but more adventurous, encouraging visitors to explore beyond the capital.

In West Yorkshire, Mayor Tracy Brabin is championing the region’s artistic and historic depth, highlighting iconic draws ranging from the literary heritage of the Brontë Country to the contemporary art scenes championed by Hepworth and Hockney.

Future Milestones

The momentum gained during the recent Indian trade mission is scheduled to continue this November with the “Spotlight Manchester: Gateway to Northern England and North Wales” event. This gathering will serve as a follow-up, inviting Indian travel industry professionals to experience the Northern visitor offer first-hand.

By streamlining the process for travel operators to develop multi-destination packages, the campaign hopes to transform the North into a primary fixture on the map for Indian travelers, ensuring that the economic benefits of this growing relationship are felt across every corner of Northern England.

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