Visit County Durham is actively engaged in promoting regenerative tourism practices to enhance sustainability and responsibility in the tourism sector, aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Visit County Durham’s Sustainability Pledge

Making a Difference, One Event at a time

Visit County Durham are committed to delivering more sustainable events and raising funds to support our County.  We have pledged to support County Durham Community Foundation (now rebranded to Point North ) who are fighting poverty and enriching lives across County Durham. At each Visit County Durham event we will include a spare delegate place or sponsored table, the cost of which is donated directly to Point North. Our long-term goal is to work with all meeting and event venues in the County to promote this project, offering alternative ways for event organisers to get involved.

Glasgow Declaration

As part of our ongoing commitment to a regenerative and sustainable visitor economy, Visit County Durham has become a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, a global initiative to mobilise tourism stakeholders to halve emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero by 2050.  Find out more about the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism and how to become a signatory The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism.

Through collaboration with the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) movement (Global Destination Sustainability Index), we have already taken significant steps towards embedding regenerative principles in our operations.

Global Destination Sustainability Index

The Global Destination Sustainability Index to benchmark our destination performance and progress in sustainable tourism practices. Currently the model is only city based and therefore the results are for Durham City. In the second year of completing the latest assessment, VCD achieved a score of 51.49% showcasing a substantial improvement from the previous year's score of 42.13% (2023). This accomplishment reflects our dedication to sustainability and responsible tourism practices.  The score and it’s results benefit the visitor economy by becoming more sustainable for business, residents and visitors to ensure a more regenerative and resilient destination.  Feedback suggested an overall strong performance  with significant increases in the supplier and DMO categories.

How you can get Involved

North East Regenerative Visitor Economy Framework

Visit County Durham have played a key role in the development of the North East Regenerative Visitor Economy Framework. Co-created with the involvement of over 200 stakeholders across the industry, the framework is a tool that will ultimately help the North East to become one of the world’s most sustainable, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming regions. The Regenerative Tourism Framework aims not only to minimise environmental impact but also to actively contribute to the biological, social, and economic health of the region.  Find out more about how you can get involved and read the framework.

Green Tourism Business Scheme

As part of Destination North East England, Visit County Durham has been instrumental in facilitating businesses to obtain globally recognised sustainability certifications through the Green Tourism Scheme. This initiative recognises tourism businesses actively striving to enhance their sustainability practices, with Bronze/Silver/Gold awards serving as global indicators of environmentally friendly operations. Destination North East England's support includes fully funded year-one memberships for the first 100 businesses for Green Tourism and 25 businesses for Green Meetings, along with subsequent discounts, fostering a culture of sustainability in the region.

To sign up for accreditation, complete the application, submit and then use the code NORTH EAST.

Durham County Council Climate Emergency Response Plan

Addressing Climate Change, Carbon Reduction and Sustainability is at the heart of the council's strategy. They are committed to minimizing environmental impact through focused and innovative efforts through actively collaborating with partners and engaging the public to create countywide change. Together,  the aim is to not only reduce the carbon footprint but also to empower and inspire others throughout the county in building a more sustainable future. Find out more about climate change.

Regenerative Guide to Sustainable Tourism

Visit England’s guide to sustainable tourism highlights the idea that tourism can - and should - have a positive impact, leaving a place better than it was before. The aim is for operators and visitors to be part of revitalising and regenerating destinations by contributing to a positive cycle of impacts on local environments, communities and economies. View the guide.

Utilising Local Suppliers

Visit County Durham work with a number of Supplier Partner’s who offer services which are directly relevant to tourism businesses.

Sustainable Information for your Guests

Showing your concern for the future of  Durham and educating your customers and guests about how to enjoy our incredible county responsibly and sustainably, by considering more environmentally friendly options can minimise the impact these trip could have on the destination.  Discover more information about sustainable travel, accessibility and how to visit Durham responsibility.