The Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Programme has earmarked £2.4m of funding to support a programme of marketing activities to boost the region's visitor economy over the next three years.

The campaign aims to increase visitor spend across the Northwest through three focused promotions.

Each promotion aims to make the region attractive to different target visitors.

The three themes are "Industrial Powerhouse" (to attract industrial heritage-based tourism), Adventure Capital (promoting outdoor activities) and Gardens of Distinction (horticultural heritage).

The total value of the programme is £4.8m, with match funding being provided through the region's tourist boards, museums and attractions.

Each theme will focus on a particular sub-region and will be led by one of the region's tourist boards; Marketing Manchester will steer the Industrial Powerhouse theme, Cumbria Tourism will lead on Adventure Capital and Visit Chester and Cheshire will coordinate the Gardens of Distinction theme.

Steven Broomhead, CEO of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said: "Building on our work with the tourist boards in these areas, this marketing activity will highlight some of the region's key strengths and will raise awareness of the Northwest as a world-class visitor destination.

"The three themes of industrial heritage, horticulture and outdoor activities appeal to a wide range of people and with targeted marketing we can boost their economic impact on the region."