Destination management organisation
Welcome to Visit County Durham - the tourism management agency for County Durham which works on behalf of businesses and public agencies to support the growth and development of the county's visitor economy.
Visit County Durham has strategic responsibility for tourism and performs the functions of destination management and marketing in the county. Many others are involved in delivering a vibrant visitor economy, one organisation cannot do it alone, which is why we are a partnership.
Our aim is to place the visitor at the heart of everything we do.
Destination performance
17.91m
(Visitors Annually)
4.6m
(75 Attractions)
9%
(Overnight Stays)
11,724
(Jobs Within the Industry)
£1.04bn
(Annual Income)
Latest news
Screen Tourism
1 May 2024
Screen tourism has seen significant growth as the 'set jetting' trend continues, with consumers influenced by their favourite films and programmes in their choice of holiday destination. Our county is home to many landmarks and landscapes that have been featured in Hollywood blockbusters, cult movies and TV classics. In this special feature from ITVX, learn […]
Read More about Screen Tourism
Host & Stay Launches ManageGreen: Elevating Sustainable Practices in Holiday Home Management
1 May 2024
Host & Stay, a trailblazer in the holiday let management industry, proudly announces the launch of ManageGreen within their property management packages. Dedicated to fostering sustainability and conscious travel, ManageGreen represents Host & Stay's commitment to environmental responsibility and signifies an important step forward in reshaping the landscape of holiday let and short-term rental management. […]
Read More about Host & Stay Launches ManageGreen: Elevating Sustainable Practices in Holiday Home Management
New £2.5 million walking and cycling route planned for Durham City
29 Apr 2024
A key travel route linking educational, retail and residential sites in the north of Durham City is set to benefit from enhanced walking and cycling facilities thanks to a £2.5 million grant. Durham County Council has secured funding from Active Travel England to deliver improvements along a 2.5km route between the Arnison Centre and New […]
Read More about New £2.5 million walking and cycling route planned for Durham CitySuppliers to industry
Humble Bee
At Humble Bee we are proud to support honeybees and pollinators in the Durham area. Come and join us for our incredible Bee Experience set in 60 acres of wildflowers and get hands on with our Local Honeybees. Pick up a ‘pot of Sunshine' with our Award-winning Honey, produced just outside the city centre by […]
Read More about Humble Bee
Towergate Insurance Brokers
Towergate have been insuring businesses in the North East of England since 1973. With our expertise in the Leisure and Hospitality Sectors, we have been offering both packaged and bespoke risk management and insurance solutions to businesses of all sizes for decades. Whatever your business, it is essential to carry out a periodic review of […]
Read More about Towergate Insurance Brokers
Coghlans Artisan Bakery
Coghlans at Barningham's Artisan Bakery has been created within the old stable block and coach house at Barningham Park, a classic estate where the bakehouse and kitchen hosts a range of artisan products from bread and chocolates and your daily essential needs. Coghlans handmade bread use no preservatives food colours or artificial flavours, just a natural product from […]
Read More about Coghlans Artisan Bakery
Host & Stay Property Management
Born in 2017, we are a family-owned property management company with a desire to lead the change in an age-old industry. Founded in the family’s home region of North Yorkshire, our mission has always been to help holiday homeowners unlock the potential in their homes with new methods for new times. We’re here to change […]
Read More about Host & Stay Property Management
Visit County Durham latest
VCD Blog - Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024
Today (Friday 8 March) is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It is a chance to reflect on the remarkable feats of women, past and present, while also recognising the amazing women we encounter in our own personal and professional lives. Ultimately, International Women’s Day […]
Read More about VCD Blog - Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024
VCD Blog - Working together for Durham and the North East
At Visit County Durham we are proud to be a part of a proactive network of regional partners working together to promote and develop Durham and North East England as destinations. As one of the three Local Visitor Economy Partnerships piloting England’s first Destination Development Partnership, we work closely with NewcastleGateshead Initiative and Visit Northumberland, […]
Read More about VCD Blog - Working together for Durham and the North East
A destination for all: Accessibility takes centre stage at tourism conference
Ensuring an excellent welcome for all visitors was the key theme of Visit County Durham’s 2023 Industry Conference.
Read More about A destination for all: Accessibility takes centre stage at tourism conference
Research reveals Memorable Moments marketing campaign generated millions in visitor spend
Visit County Durham’s national destination marketing campaign, Memorable Moments, generated £86.6 million in visitor spend, research has revealed.
Read More about Research reveals Memorable Moments marketing campaign generated millions in visitor spendSocial wall
📣 This week's Grapevine is out now, read the latest about-
▪️ Screen Tourism
▪️ Green Tourism Award
▪️ New Walking and Cycling Route
▪️ How's Business Survey Reminder
Find out more here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/3jpe59an
Having your event listed on Thisisdurham.com is valuable exposure to thousands of visitors to Durham.
If you have an event or an exhibition that you’d like us to include in our Week Ahead events listing guide you can submit this easily here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/545fznfk
Did you know May is National Walking Month?
Throughout the month VCD will utilise the increased awareness and promote walking breaks and activities across the county.
Find out how you can be more walking tourist friendly with our Walking Toolkit 👇
...https://tinyurl.com/2htekbkf
#WalkThisMay
If you are registered to provide your occupancy or visitor numbers via T-Stats, please check your inbox for your monthly reminder. The data enables Visit County Durham to review the performance of the destination and better represent the interests of the industry at local, regional and national ...levels.
If you haven't already shared your information but would like to, or for more information, please email 👇
research@visitcountydurham.org
A key travel route linking educational, retail and residential sites in the north of Durham City is set to benefit from enhanced walking and cycling facilities thanks to a £2.5 million grant.
Durham County Council has secured funding from Active Travel England to deliver improvements ...along a 2.5km route between the Arnison Centre and New College Durham.
Find out more here 👇
https://www.visitcountydurham.org/news/new-2-5-million-walking-and-cycling-route-planned-for-durham-city/
Latest provisional International Passenger Survey data from the Office for National Statistics shows 37.9 million inbound visits and £30.9 billion inbound spend in 2023.
See the latest monthly data and provisional full year estimates for 2023 here 👇
...https://www.visitbritain.org/research-insights/inbound-visits-and-spend-monthly-uk
Make sure you never miss out on the latest industry news with our Wednesday Grapevine e-newsletter.
Sign up here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/27h89c8v