Durham (pictured) and Northallerton are the latest destinations to be awarded Coach Friendly status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT).
Regional Manager (North of England) Andrew McGuinness formally presented Durham with its certificate on Monday 12 August, while that for Northallerton will be handed over on Wednesday 14 August.
They take to around 30 destinations and attractions with the accreditation. CPT says that it looks forward to recognising “several more towns and attractions their Coach Friendly awards over the coming months.”
The status highlights those traffic generators that are welcoming of coaches and coach groups, and which work with the sector to improve facilities for passengers, drivers and operators.
Speaking at the presentation in Durham, Mr McGuinness said that he is “delighted” to see the city gain Coach Friendly certification “precisely because it is the kind of destination that can really gain from holding this accreditation.”
Adds Mr McGuinness: “This award provides recognised assurance to coach operators, drivers and their passengers that they will be well catered for and welcomed by Durham, so they can make the most of its rich array of historic venues.”
Visit County Durham Managing Director Michelle Gorman says that Coach Friendly accreditation “is an important standard by which many coach companies and their customers measure a destination’s readiness and welcome for group visits.”
She adds: “Through achieving the accolade, Durham City can pledge that it can manage coach tourism professionally and deliver a great experience for visitors.”
In Northallerton, the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) Manager Alex Shennib says that the BID “has led the coach friendly initiative since its re-election 2022.”
He adds that achieving the accreditation has come via collaboration between the Town Team, comprised of the BID, North Yorkshire Council, Northallerton Town Council, Northallerton Tourist Information Centre, and Hambleton Community Action.
“They have all worked tirelessly over the past two years on this scheme, and their hard work is being acknowledged through this accreditation,” adds Mr Shennib. “We hope that all future visitors have a wonderful experience and enjoy all that Northallerton has to offer.”
CPT UK Coach Manager Phil Smith welcomed Northallerton ahead of the formal presentation. “By going coach friendly, a town or tourist attraction will help to curb congestion, improve air quality, and do more to help preserve its unique local environment while developing more sustainable tourism that supports thriving local businesses.”
