Major refurbishment is happening at Auckland Castle and Market Place, in Bishop Auckland, which could attract as many as 430,000 tourists a year.
However, Auckland Castle Trust officer Lee Brownson says attempts to get groups in Teesdale involved have so far been unsuccessful.
The aim, he said, is to offer tourists a package in which visitors tour Auckland Castle and its associated developments, followed by trips out to attractions in other areas, including Teesdale.
The trust held an information event at The Hub, in Barnard Castle to drum up support, but only a handful of people attended.
He told the audience that the trust had witnessed little response to earlier attempts to get groups in the dale involved.
He added: “I don't think we have the links here, where we can jump in and attend meetings.
“People from Teesdale have to make those links.”
He explained that the regeneration hopes to create a “world class faith, art and heritage destination” which would include a Spanish art gallery, with links to the world renowned Prado Gallery.
New hotels will offer accommodation to tourists, including those who attend the outdoor spectacle, Kynren, which was launched last year.
In addition, a new welcome centre will offer views of the town, the castle and Kynren, while a new three-story building in the castle grounds will showcase various faiths in England from pagan through to modern day.
Mr Brownson, a former mayor of Bishop Auckland, said some 200,000 tourists are expected each year, adding about £4million to the local economy.
A further 430,000 people are expected to attend the Kynren event, bringing a further £20million to the town.
Mr Brownson said: “Those figures are unheard of in this part of the world”.
He urged groups in Teesdale to get in touch.
“We need joined up thinking on everything we do,” he concluded.
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