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.

Durham’s visitor economy hits £1 billion milestone

Durham’s visitor economy hits £1 billion milestone

Tourism contributed more than £1 billion to Durham’s economy for the first time ever in 2022, the latest industry research has revealed.

Tourism Superstar Nominations

Tourism Superstar Nominations

Applications are now open for Durham Tourism Superstar 2024. Help us to showcase the very best visitor welcome and customer service.

Join Us

From attractions and accommodation providers to places to eat, things to do and local suppliers, Visit County Durham Partnership brings benefits through promoting and developing any type or size of business.

Join Us

Filming Friendly Durham

Supporting production companies, filmmakers and photographers, make Durham your next destination.

Filming Friendly Durham
Business Events and Conference Market

Business Events and Conference Market

The county’s new website for conference, meeting and event venues.

Find a Supplier

Find a Supplier

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

Destination performance

Visitors
Visitors in Durham

17.91m

(Visitors Annually)

Visits to Attractions
Attractions in Durham

4.6m

(75 Attractions)

Staying Visitors
Accommodation in Durham

9%

(Overnight Stays)

Employment
Tourism employment in Durham

11,724

(Jobs Within the Industry)

Visitor Economy
Durhams Visitor economy

£1.04bn

(Annual Income)

Latest news

Tickets to go on sale tomorrow as Luxmuralis returns to Durham Cathedral in October

2 May 2024

Luxmuralis is returning for a third year to Durham Cathedral with Space, and tickets go on sale at 11am on Friday 3 May, with some special discounted rates. From Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 October, visitors will be able to experience stunning light projections of galaxies and see original footage of a rocket launch, all with immersive […]

Read More about Tickets to go on sale tomorrow as Luxmuralis returns to Durham Cathedral in October

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

Suppliers to industry

n-gage.io

n-gage.io

The all-in-one, cloud based attraction management software and audience mobile app, helping the global attraction, leisure & entertainment industry to enhance audience engagement, gain valuable insights & drive revenues. Built from the ground up for the experience economy, the n-gage.io platform and mobile visitor app is helping attractions of all sizes and types to simplify their approach […]

Read More about n-gage.io
Stroodles

Stroodles

Stroodles is an Eco Tableware company, famous for its pasta straws, featured on Dragons Den, BBC Good Food, Unilad, and many more. The Stroodles portfolio also includes edible biscuit spoons and stirrers, edible wafer cups, eco wheat bran plates, biscuit bowls and saucers. The Alchemist, de Longhi, Marriott, Hilton and Selfridges are already stroodling Stroodles […]

Read More about Stroodles
Arty, Inc

Arty, Inc

Gavin Selby - Creative Designer, Photographer and Filmmaker. Gavin has over 18 years experience within the creative arts and is highly passionate about Graphic Design, Photography, Filmmaking, Video Editing and Animation. Trading under the name Arty, Inc. he works closely with local businesses, authorities and groups to create bespoke content for their online presence (Social Media and search […]

Read More about Arty, Inc
WL Distillery

WL Distillery

WL Distillery is a North East based Gin Distillery, combining our passion for gin and the great outdoors by creating authentic tasting gins made with specially selected ingredients. Our recently released First Edition Gin inspired by our distillers Grandads Garden has been crafted to take you on a taste journey of the North East. Combining […]

Read More about WL Distillery

Visit County Durham latest

VCD Blog - Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024

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

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

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

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 spend

Social wall

Make sure you never miss out on the latest industry news with our Wednesday Grapevine e-newsletter.

Sign up here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/27h89c8v

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.

Find out more here 👇
https://www.visitcountydurham.org/news/host-stay-launches-managegreen-elevating-sustainable-practices-in-holiday-home-management/

Our Jobs & Skills section offers advice on how to recruit effectively, what training opportunities are available, along with best practice examples.

Find out more here 👇
https://www.visitcountydurham.org/recruitment-and.../

As part of VCD’s commitment to deliver more sustainable events and drive regenerative tourism growth we have introduced a theoretical 4th course at our events.
This entails donating the cost of the day delegate rate and a Supplier Partner stand at each event to the County Durham Community ...Foundation which manages over 200 charitable funds within the county.
We have recently donated £140 for the events undertaken this year which leaves a positive legacy connecting to community groups and projects for those in need within the county.

Destinations, businesses and venues along the Northern Saints routes can utilise the trails in their own marketing activity with The Northern Saints Toolkit.
Containing items including web copy, images, logos and example social media posts, the toolkit supports businesses to benefit from the ...Northern Saints Trails.

Find out more here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/bdcx9y8j

Host & Stay Property Management are a family-owned property management company with a desire to lead the change in an age-old industry. Their mission has always been to help holiday homeowners unlock the potential in their homes with new methods for new times.
They’re here to change the ...game, to reset the standard and to help property owners maximise their income whilst reducing their fees.

Find out more here 👇
https://www.visitcountydurham.org/supplier/host-stay-property-management/?parent=suppliers-to-industry/

We were delighted to welcome leading international travel trade buyers to the county earlier this week, as part of the regional UKinbound ‘Discover’ event.
Delivered by Destination North East England, the destination development partnership pilot, the group experienced some of the best ...trade-ready attractions and experiences the North East has to offer.
Growing international visitors through travel trade activity is a key strand of the partnership pilot, and events such as these help to raise the profile and appeal of the North East.

The Auckland Project Beamish Museum

Today is National Space Day! 💫
Did you know Durham has some of the darkest skies in mainland Britain and Visit County Durham are keen to encourage businesses to benefit from this emerging market.
Take a look at our Dark Sky Friendly Toolkit and find out how you can easily enhance your ...offer at off peak times.

Find out more here 👇
https://www.visitcountydurham.org/.../dark-skies-friendly...

Luxmuralis is returning for a third year to Durham Cathedral with Space, and tickets go on sale at 11am on Friday 3 May, with some special discounted rates.

From Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 October, visitors will be able to experience stunning light projections of galaxies and see original ...footage of a rocket launch, all with immersive soundscapes throughout Durham Cathedral.

Find out more here 👇
https://www.visitcountydurham.org/news/tickets-to-go-on-sale-tomorrow-as-luxmuralis-returns-to-durham-cathedral-in-october/