Teesside Park is a further location to gain Coach Friendly status from the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), quickly following Market Drayton in receiving that accolade.
It is the first destination in the Tees Valley to get the accreditation. Teesside Park is a retail and leisure destination that attracts millions of visitors per year. It offers a wide range of shopping, dining and entertainment options.
Gaining Coach Friendly status recognises the attraction’s commitment to welcoming coach groups and acknowledging the economic benefit they bring. Teesside Park is immediately off the A19 trunk road and between Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees.
Market Drayton and Teesside Park have joined a list numbering more than 30 Coach Friendly destinations across the UK. Market Drayton was a third location in Shropshire to be given the status, following Oswestry and Shrewsbury.
Bestowing that accreditation on a location or attraction “provides a clear signal to operators, drivers and passengers that they can expect a warm welcome and good facilities when they arrive,” says CPT Coaching Manager Andy Shaw.
“Coach tourism delivers real economic benefits. Research shows that a single coach visit every day over the course of a year can be worth around £1 million to a local economy through increased visitor spending,” he continues.
“By achieving Coach Friendly status, both destinations are demonstrating their commitment to attracting more visitors and supporting local businesses.”
The Confederation notes how destinations seeking Coach Friendly status are assessed against a range of conditions including parking provision, accessibility, drop-off and pick-up arrangements, local attractions, and the overall experience for coach groups.
