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
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 OctoberScreen 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 TourismHost & 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 ManagementSuppliers to industry
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.ioStroodles
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 StroodlesArty, 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, IncWL 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 DistilleryVisit 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 2024VCD 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 EastA 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 conferenceResearch 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
Visit County Durham's Northern Saints Trails Passport encourages walkers to seek out locations along the Northern Saints routes to obtain stamps as a record of their visit.
Marketing activity promotes participating businesses, driving footfall to those taking part.
Get in touch to... find out more about stocking or participating in the passport here 👇
Craig.Wilson@visitcountydurham.org
Supplier Partner Weardale Cheese produces a range of hard and soft artisan cheeses selling at farmers markets and locally to shops, pubs, restaurants and delicatessens.
Find out more here 👇
https://tinyurl.com/2cvxp8vm
Our Meet in Durham website targets the business events and conference market. The website presents the county's venues, accommodation and unmissable delegate experiences through a single dedicated platform.
You can view the site here 👇
...https://www.thisisdurham.com/meet-in-durham
To get involved, email us 👉 info@meetindurham.org
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.