Media Room

Latest News

All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.

Filter News

All Visit County Durham Industry

Filter results by date:

From Date:

Format: 29-12-2023

To Date:

Format: 30-12-2023

Industry

Kynren begins work on major show for its time travelling theme park

15 May 2025

Following recent planning approval, development has now begun on one of the flagship experiences within Kynren – The Storied Lands, the UK’s first live-action historical theme park. Set to open in summer 2026 alongside four other monumental shows and immersive experiences, The Lost Feather is...

Industry

Durham shortlisted for national group travel award

15 May 2025

Durham has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Group Travel World Awards 2025. The county has been chosen as a finalist by Group Travel Organisers in the Group Travel World Club which is made up of people who have visited and enjoyed their trip so much that they have chosen it as a finalist...

Industry

Tourism’s importance to social cohesion and wellbeing highlighted in new research from VisitEngland

15 May 2025

New research published today by VisitEngland demonstrates the positive cultural and social impacts that tourism has on local communities across the UK. The report - ‘The Social Value of Tourism’ – found significantly higher levels of community pride, sense of wellbeing and social cohesion...

Industry

Domestic Sentiment Tracker

14 May 2025

VisitEngland's latest Domestic Sentiment Tracker shows that perceptions of the cost of living crisis have significantly worsened, reflecting global uncertainty throughout April with US tariffs. In April 2025, 60% of UK adults felt that the worst of the crisis was still to come, the highest...

Industry

Attractions Marketing Conference

14 May 2025

This year's National Attractions Marketing Conference takes place on Thursday 5th June at Drayton Manor Theme Park & Resort. The conference programme and its 20 speakers on marketing attractions are featured at www.attractionsmarketing.co.uk. All Visit County Durham Partners can access special...

Industry

Accommodation Provider Event

14 May 2025

Accommodation providers are invited to attend a familiarisation visit to Auckland Palace, Gardens & Faith Museum on Thursday 22nd May 2025. The day will begin with refreshments at 10am followed by a short tour of Auckland Palace. Guests will have the opportunity to explore The Auckland...

Industry

Phishing Email Warning

14 May 2025

Several partners have contacted us to advise that they have been receiving emails purporting to be from WordPress, asking the recipient to verify their email address with visitcountydurham.org. This email has not been sent by nor is it associated with Visit County Durham. If you have received an...

Industry

Durham Fringe Festival returns with its most exciting lineup to date

8 May 2025

Between 23rd and 27th July 2025, Durham Fringe Festival will host a spectacular array of performing arts across nine Durham City Centre venues. Audiences will be invited to explore over 110 unique acts across a programme of 270+ performances. Genres include theatre, music, stand-up comedy, comedy...

Industry

Walking Month

7 May 2025

May is National Walking Month 2025, a campaign to encourage people across all ages and backgrounds to get outside and embrace the simple, yet profound health benefits of walking. Durham offers a variety of walking routes from the Northern Saints Trails, walks around the North Pennines National...

Industry

Accessibility Clinics Reminder

7 May 2025

As part of the Everybody Welcome programme, we are offering 1:1 online business clinics undertaken by Chris Veitch and Jane Cooper from Access and Inclusion UK. Get tailored advice and guidance on making your business more accessible. The sessions are running until the end of June 2025. Register...

Industry

Durham Shortlisted!

30 Apr 2025

Durham has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Group Leisure & Travel Awards 2025. The county was nominated for Best UK Destination by readers of Group Leisure and Travel magazine and subsequently voted on by tour operators and group travel organisers. T op attractions in the county have also...

Industry

Green Tourism Opportunity

30 Apr 2025

The deadline for visitor economy businesses to secure Green Tourism or Green Meetings certification has been extended until 30th June. Businesses that successfully submit for assessment by 30th June 2025 will receive extended fully funded membership until 30th June 2026 through Destination North...

Industry

International Visitor Spending

30 Apr 2025

Find out more about how international visitors spend their money in Britain. VisitBritain's latest research dashboard offers timely data and expert insights into spending behaviour at a national and local level. Using the interactive tool, you can compare month-by-month and year-on-year data and...

Industry

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025

29 Apr 2025

Beamish, The Living Museum of the North has been announced as one of five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2025, the world’s largest museum prize. Art Fund, the national charity for museums and galleries, annually shortlists five outstanding museums for Museum of the Year....

Industry

Regenerative Tourism Guide

23 Apr 2025

VisitEngland have launched the Regenerative Tourism Guide, a no-nonsense, easy-to-follow resource to help tourism businesses wherever they are on their regenerative sustainability journey. The guide supports businesses in identifying ways to act responsibly, as well as sharing their efforts to...