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
11.4m
(Visitors Annually)
4m
(70 attractions)
6%
(Overnight Stays)
6,794
(Jobs within the industry)
£507m
(Annual Income)
Latest news
£2.25 million boost for the region’s tourism industry as North East announced as the first ever Destination Development Partnership pilot in England
25 Nov 2022
The North East has been chosen for the first regional tourism pilot receiving £2.25 million from national government covering a period to March 2025. ‘The partnership will see Visit County Durham working alongside NewcastleGateshead Initiative and VisitNorthumberland, on behalf of the whole region. This is a regional collaboration and incredible opportunity to unlock our growth […]
Read More about £2.25 million boost for the region’s tourism industry as North East announced as the first ever Destination Development Partnership pilot in England
Tourism Superstar
23 Nov 2022
2023 will be the 11th year for VisitEngland's Tourism Superstar competition which recognises the dedication and passion of those working in the tourism industry. Run in partnership with the Mirror newspaper, the campaign recognises and celebrates those in the industry who go the extra mile to ensure tourists in England have an amazing and unforgettable […]
Read More about Tourism Superstar
VE Occupancy data
23 Nov 2022
VisitEngland has published September's serviced accommodation occupancy report. Every month, the England Occupancy Survey (EOS) measures bedroom and bedspace occupancy across the serviced accommodation sector, including mostly hotels, with a very small proportion of serviced apartments and larger B&Bs/guesthouses. As well as delivering occupancy levels for the country as a whole, results are also available […]
Read More about VE Occupancy dataSuppliers to industry
JH Farms
JH Farms is a meat box company providing delivery of fresh, low carbon beef and lamb. Reared and fattened on our family farm to help bring customers/consumers delicious, succulent British Beef and Lamb.
Read More about JH Farms
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
The Canny Candy Gadgies
The Canny Candy Gadgies is a third generation, family, confectionery business on the heritage coast. We are a fast growing, light hearted brand with a product portfolio of the highest quality, hand crafted, value for money, artisan confectionery available. Our ranges include award winning fudges, honeycombs, nut brittles and all things from melt in the […]
Read More about The Canny Candy Gadgies
Star Safaris
Star Safaris provides stargazing tours, events and education, both face to face and online. 2 NEW online courses, starting end of September 2022 The "Star Ranger" certification is designed to train people with no knowledge of the night sky in how to run outdoor guided experiences. The "Star Base" accreditation is for small to medium […]
Read More about Star Safaris
Visit County Durham latest
Year of the Coast 2023
The UK coastline ranks as one of the most exciting in the world; more than 185 million years old, and one of the most varied – rich in maritime history, family attractions, natural beauty and unique sea life. Year of the Coast 2023 will coordinate and amplify a year-long programme of events and promotion of […]
Read More about Year of the Coast 2023
Shortlist Announced
The shortlist for the 2023 North East England Tourism awards has been announced. The awards play a major role in showcasing the fantastic range of high quality experiences in North East England. This year saw more than 160 entries with over 50% coming from businesses who were entering for the first time. Congratulations to all the shortlisted […]
Read More about Shortlist Announced
US travel trade mission
In partnership with Marketing Manchester and Avanti Destinations, Visit County Durham is visiting Texas next week as part of the Manchester Gateway Project. We will be meeting with over 150 US travel trade, travel agents and travel media across the week, with the aim of increasing awareness of Durham as a holiday destination and using Manchester […]
Read More about US travel trade mission
Durham security office scoops tourism superstar award
Durham has crowned its first Tourism Superstar in three years, following a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Connor Turnbull, a security officer at Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination, has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2022 thanks to his excellent customer service, volunteering experience and tenacious attitude to tourism. Richard Kaye, centre manager at Dalton […]
Read More about Durham security office scoops tourism superstar awardSocial wall
Great job alert
VACANCY 📢
Digital Marketing Executive
Raby Estates is looking for an ambitious Digital Marketing Executive with a progressive attitude who is up to speed with current marketing trends to join us at this exciting time.
To find out more http://www.raby.co.uk/vacancy/digital-marketing-executive/
Hall Garth Hotel, Darlington, Golf & Leisure and The Morritt Hotel and Garage Spa are the latest VCD Partners to have been awarded the Dark Sky Friendly accreditation! 💫
Find out how your business can be involved here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/4r26atb2
Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-commercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to 'shop local' and support small businesses in their communities.
This year, the day itself takes place on 3rd December, but the campaign aims to ...have a lasting impact on small businesses.
For all the ways you can get involved, click here 👇
https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/#get-involved
A great opportunity available 👇
Really good news and a great opportunity for the region...
National #tourism programme sees £2.25m for the region
The #NorthEast is to spearhead a national tourism programme that aims to create jobs and bring major sporting and cultural events to the UK.
https://www.businessdurham.co.uk/news/national-tourism-programme-spearheaded-in-the-north-east @ThisisDurham @VCDBusiness @DurhamCouncil #CountyDurham
Fantastic to see our Partners using the knowledge they gained from our Dark Skies workshop to make some improvements 👏
Supplier Partner Every Season Pest Control are a local, professional family run company with over 16 years’ experience in Wildlife and General pest control.
They are firm believers in working together with their clients and will give recommendations on proofing and hygiene as well as advice ...on how to remain pest free.
Find out how your business could benefit here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/22nk86c3
.@DCMS has announced that the North East will receive a £2.25million tourism industry boost as the first ever Destination Development Partnership. This partnership will be led by @NGintiative working alongside @VisitNland and @VCDBusiness.
Read more: https://t.co/dCfVVsgw58