TOURIST attractions and accommodation in the North-East are reaping the rewards of the “staycation” trend which has emerged through the recession, figures revealed yesterday.

Despite the challenging economic climate, the North-East’s tourism economy has continued to grow during the past quarter, with increases in occupancy levels and visitor numbers across the board.

Self-catering holiday properties have been some of the main venues to benefit, with occupancy levels up ten per cent on last year to 85 per cent occupancy – the best performance since records began in 2003.

Bed and breakfast accommodation and guesthouses have also seen an increase in occupancy from July to September, according to the figures from regional development agency One North East, from 52 per cent last year to 59 per cent this year.

The figures come only days after national tourist organisation VisitEngland said the number of holidays taken by UK residents in England in July this year was up by 40 per cent – almost two million extra trips – as people look to the “staycation”

as an alternative to an overseas break.

August was a key period for the region’s tourism performance, with hotels showing an increase in occupancy – bucking the national trend of decline – and self-catering properties costing £500 or more were 97 per cent full during the month.

Over the weekend of the Great North Run in September, occupancy levels at hotels in Tyne and Wear rose by nine per cent this year to 85 per cent, and those in the North-East outside of Tyne and Wear saw a seven per cent increase to 81 per cent.

Visitor attractions, too, saw the benefit of people choosing to holiday in the North-East.

Saltholme Wildlife Reserve and Discovery Park, in Tees Valley, has had more than 70,000 visitors since it opened at the beginning of the year, already doubling its annual target of 35,000, and the Great North Museum, which opened in May, has already welcomed its 500,000th visitor. Beamish Museum has also seen a increase in visitor numbers, with 200,000 people visiting from January to July – up 24 per cent on last year.

Alan Clarke, chief executive of One North East, said: “2009 has been a challenging year for the region’s economy, but the tourism industry has continued to see a growth, with occupancy levels at many of the region’s accommodation providers showing an increase on last year.”

■ A multi-million pound hotel has marked one year in business by undergoing a name change.

The Radisson SAS Hotel, which opened on Framwelgate Waterside, in Durham City, last November, has been renamed Radisson Blu.

All Radisson SAS hotels will adopt the new title.

General manager Deborah Haines said: “We are extremely proud to hoist the Radisson Blu flag and our new Radisson Blu signage outside the hotel.

“Nothing else changes at the hotel.

“The hotel team remains unchanged, all working to the same ethos that was Radisson SAS and is now Radisson Blu.”

The hotel’s first anniversary was marked with the release of 365 blue balloons.