South Shields Earns New Coach-Friendly Status, Paving the Way for Increased Tourism

Published on December 28, 2025

South Shields in South Tyneside is to become a major hub for coach tourism as it achieves the prestigious ‘coach-friendly status’ award by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT). This is a move that will enable the area to welcome more visitors as coach tourism will not only benefit tourists with an accessible and comfortable mode of traveling to the area but will also benefit the local economy and tourism industry of this region. Coach-friendly status is given to towns and villages that have a strong tourism product and commit to responsible tourism practices.

What Does ‘Coach-Friendly’ Status Mean for South Shields?
Coach-friendly status is more than just a title for South Shields; it signifies a commitment to welcoming coach tourists and improving the experience for both visitors and local businesses. The accreditation aims to support areas that have the infrastructure and tourism attractions to make coach visits a sustainable part of the local tourism economy. For South Shields, this means a greater ability to attract coach operators and tourists, while also ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support this growing segment of the market.

The CPT’s initiative also highlights the environmental benefits of coach travel, noting that it can reduce traffic congestion and help improve air quality, making it a more sustainable option for tourists. For South Shields, the coach-friendly status will allow the town to become a hub for coach tours, increasing footfall in local shops, cafés, and attractions. It is expected to be particularly beneficial for businesses in the town centre and along the foreshore.

New Infrastructure to Support Coach Tours
As part of the plan to accommodate more coach tours, South Shields will soon have two dedicated coach bays to handle the increased number of visitors. One bay will be located at South Shields Interchange, and the other will be situated along the South Shields foreshore. These bays, set to become operational in early 2026, will provide coach operators with designated stopping points that are close to key attractions in the area.

Andrew Whittaker, South Tyneside Council’s head of operations, shared the exciting update during a meeting of the Riverside Community Area Forum (CAF) in South Shields on December 16, 2025. He explained that discussions had been underway with Nexus and national coach companies to re-establish South Shields as a key stop on coach routes.

Whittaker pointed out that while coaches had occasionally visited the foreshore, South Shields had not been a prominent stop on the coach operators’ routes. The new coach-friendly status will change that, ensuring the town’s inclusion in national coach tours, which will bring in more visitors from across the UK and beyond. The council’s efforts to improve the town’s infrastructure, including ongoing regeneration projects such as the relocation of South Tyneside College and South Shields Marine School, are also expected to make the area more attractive to coach operators.

Supporting Coach Tour Operators and Drivers
In addition to creating the necessary infrastructure for coach tours, South Tyneside Council is working to support coach operators, drivers, and staff. This includes ensuring that facilities are available for drivers to take breaks and that staff have the resources they need to manage large groups of tourists. With the coach-friendly status in place, the local authority hopes to foster strong relationships with coach companies and make South Shields a popular choice for future tour itineraries.

South Shields’ new coach-friendly status also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable tourism. By promoting coach tours as a more eco-friendly way to travel, the town is not only supporting local businesses but also contributing to broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions from tourism.

Tourism Impact: Boosting Local Economy and Visitor Experience
The decision to pursue and ultimately secure coach-friendly status is expected to have a significant positive impact on tourism in South Shields. With dedicated coach bays and an improved infrastructure network, the town will be well-positioned to attract more visitors, particularly those who are travelling on coach tours. The expected increase in visitor numbers will lead to more foot traffic in the town’s shops, restaurants, and attractions, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy.

Local businesses, especially those in the hospitality and retail sectors, are expected to see a rise in customers as coach tourists explore South Shields. In particular, businesses near the foreshore, such as cafés, gift shops, and tourist attractions, will benefit from the increased number of visitors. The coach-friendly initiative also aligns with the town’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that economic growth is balanced with environmental responsibility.

The Long-Term Benefits of Coach-Friendly Status
Looking to the future, South Shields’ new coach-friendly status is set to have long-term benefits for the town’s tourism industry. By becoming a key destination for coach tours, South Shields can expect an influx of visitors throughout the year, especially during peak tourism seasons. The coach-friendly status will also raise the town’s profile as a tourism destination, attracting visitors from across the UK and potentially abroad.

This move also positions South Shields as a model for other towns and cities looking to develop sustainable tourism. With the growing demand for eco-friendly travel options, promoting coach tourism offers a unique opportunity to balance visitor growth with environmental responsibility.

A Bright Future for South Shields’ Tourism Industry

This new status represents a milestone for South Shields, opening a whole new chapter to its tourism product. Better infrastructure, closer links to national coach routes, and sustainable tourism practices place South Shields in an enviable position to receive more guests and boost the economic benefits accruing to the local people. As the town prepares to accommodate increasing coach tours from 2026 onwards, it would appear that the future for tourism in South Shields is looking rosy.