Visit County Durham
Blog
Read our latest blogs for the tourism industry.
Local Stories, National Growth: Driving Durham’s Visitor Economy Forward
23 Mar 2026
As we come to the end of English Tourism Week 2026, I’d like to reflect on the importance of the annual event and how it provides an key opportunity to celebrate the value of our visitor economy and the role it plays in supporting jobs, businesses and communities across the...
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Celebrating International Women's Day
6 Mar 2026
March 8th marks 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...
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Looking ahead to 2026, a year of ambition and collaboration
30 Jan 2026
As we begin 2026, Durham’s visitor economy is well positioned for continued growth. Ambition, collaboration and a clear strategic direction provide a solid platform as we move forward and build on recent success. Durham’s position as a compelling and competitive destination continues to be...
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An end of year message from Visit County Durham's managing director, Michelle Gorman
18 Dec 2025
As we come to the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on some of the county’s many successes. 2025 has been another remarkable year for Durham’s visitor economy – a year defined by growth, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. It is also an opportunity to...
Read More about An end of year message from Visit County Durham's managing director, Michelle GormanWorld Tourism Day 2025
2 Oct 2025
This World Tourism Day, (27 September) the spotlight is on Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, highlighting tourism’s critical role not just as an economic driver, but as a catalyst for social progress, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. Tourism today faces a pivotal...
Read More about World Tourism Day 2025Champions set to showcase the county on a global scale
18 Sep 2025
Working in partnership is key to the success of a place, and through an exciting new initiative we are doing just that. Businesses, organisations and individuals from across County Durham came together in July for the first Durham Champions event - a county-wide network of people who are...
Read More about Champions set to showcase the county on a global scaleThe Durham Story
16 Jun 2025
The focus of my latest blog is The Durham Story, the launch of Durham’s new place brand. It is an exciting new approach to promoting the county that was recently unveiled to over 80 stakeholders at a launch event at Gala Durham. The event, hosted by Durham County Council...
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Progress and pace continues as we look forward with optimism
19 Feb 2025
As 2025 is now in full swing it feels great to be looking ahead with excitement and optimism. Last year was a year of pace and progress and it shows no signs of slowing down, with major investment continuing at attractions and accommodation across the county and of course, world class events and...
Read More about Progress and pace continues as we look forward with optimismWorking towards a more sustainable future
9 Dec 2024
As world leaders recently gathered in Baku for Cop29 it is a reminder of the ever-present threat of climate change and the need for us all to take action. According to the World Economic Forum a recent study puts the tourism industry's impact at 8% of global carbon emissions. Visit...
Read More about Working towards a more sustainable futureA summer of success
9 Dec 2024
As the signs of autumn begin to show the Visit County Durham team is reflecting on a summer that has seen a number of successful activities take place, driving visitor numbers, supporting partners and raising the county’s profile in the UK and overseas. The team kicked off the summer with a trip...
Read More about A summer of successCelebrating International Women’s Day
8 Mar 2024
Today (Friday 8 March) is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Read More about Celebrating International Women’s DayWorking together for Durham and the North East
6 Feb 2024
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.
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Strengthening national connections: The benefits of the partnership approach
3 Aug 2023
Partnership working is at the core of Visit County Durham. Strategic national and international partnerships are essential to the success of our work as a Local Visitor Economy Partnership, with our approach receiving international recognition.
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Helping to turn a vision into a reality
17 May 2023
Ahead of his retirement in June, Ivor Stolliday reflects on his time as Chair of Visit County Durham. It has been a long time, more than 14 years I believe, since I applied to be Chair of what was at that time one of the four tourism agencies, which were funded by the then North […]
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Celebrating International Women’s Day
8 Mar 2023
Today (Wednesday 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...
Read More about Celebrating International Women’s Day