An industry workshop was held to discuss the accommodation accreditation schemes run by Quality in Tourism and the AA. Questions are being asked about the future of these schemes both nationally and locally. Are they still relevant? Should Northumberland's marketing be opened up to non-accredited businesses? These questions and more were debated.

If you haven't booked already, this is a final reminder that all advertising for the official Northumberland Guide has to be placed by 9th September 2011. Once again we have had a very positive response to the guide and thanks to all those businesses that are advertising with us.

The North East Tourism Awards 2011 was a fabulous event. Sunderland's Stadium of Light was the venue for celebrating the region's very best tourism businesses – and of course Northumberland was well represented. Even better, we scooped a good number of the top awards.

Place your advert in the Days Out and Attractions Leaflet for 2012, to promote your business to thousands of potential holiday makers and day trippers. Used by holiday makers to plan great days out across the county, it's a hugely popular pocket size guide that comes complete with a map.