The Newcastles Passport scheme has launched, promoting tourism and friendship between Newcastles around the world.

Each Newcastle taking part has carefully selected a series of special offers just for visitors from other Newcastles. These could be a customised programme if the visitor has any special interests – places to visit or people to meet, or special discounts from local businesses.

Visitors sign up for a free ‘Passport’ through the website, then get in touch with the Newcastle they wish to visit. Each Newcastle is committed to offering a personalised touch, with a warm and friendly welcome to anyone living or from an affiliated Newcastle.

Exclusive offers include:

• Invite to a tea-making ceremony in Shinshiro, Japan
• Meet the Mayor of Neuburg, Germany
• Free chocolate gifts from Neuchâtel, Switzerland
• Guided Amish tours of New Castle, Pennsylvania
• Dine with a host family in Shinshiro, Japan

The scheme is ran by Newcastles of the World, the body which brings together over 100 Newcastles from around the globe to promote friendship, tourism and collaboration between areas and will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary in 2018 with a conference in Shinshiro City, Japan.

Zélie Guérin, Director of International Newcastle which is secretariat for the project said of the scheme:

“We’re delighted to launch the Newcastles Passport, which will help visitors experience the tremendous welcome and different cultures of the Newcastles across the world.  It’s a great opportunity, which we invite you to join us in.”

David Faulkner, Co-ordinator of Newcastles of the World, said:

“This important step will promote tourism between our Newcastles and builds on the work already done in the fields of culture and education. It’s a friendship alliance between people and groups in communities that share the name “Newcastle” whatever their language, with real tangible benefits available through working together.”

To find out more about the Newcastle Passport visit: www.newcastlesoftheworld.com/projects/passport