Media Room

Press Releases

Read our latest news updates and releases for the tourism industry.

Filter results by date:

From Date:

To Date:

North East tourism campaign is a hit stateside

23 Jul 2024

The North East’s incredible icons, exciting adventures and distinctive food and drink have been showcased in the US as part of a campaign in partnership with national tourism agency VisitBritain, aimed at growing inbound visits to the region. Destination management organisation Visit County...

Durham showcased at Great Yorkshire Show

19 Jul 2024

Durham moved south, very briefly, last week as members of the Visit County Durham team headed to the Great Yorkshire Show, also flying the flag for Durham were partners including Kynren, The Auckland Project, Raby Estates, The Weardale Railway and Radisson Blu. The annual four-day event is a...

Kynren volunteer crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2024

17 Jul 2024

A key member of one of Durham’s star attractions has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2024. Wendy Wilshere, Head of Casting and Engagement at 11 Arches - the organisation behind Kynren, secured the most public votes in the annual competition, which is organised by Visit County Durham, Durham...

Boost for Durham as new developments drive growth in the visitor economy

12 Jul 2024

Latest tourism figures show a major boost for Durham’s economy as the county builds on its bumper £1bn milestone achieved in 2022, with new attractions playing a key role in helping the county reach a new record. Visit County Durham, the county’s Destination Management Organisation and Durham...

Latest tourism figures for Durham build on bumper £1bn milestone

22 May 2024

The latest STEAM* figures, which calculate the volume and value of the county’s visitor economy, show that Durham has continued to build on the bumper £1bn milestone achieved in 2022, with results showing expenditure rose by 18.8% in 2023, to £1.23bn.

Durham condiment makes regional return

5 Jan 2024

Mustard is once again being made in Durham – where it was first invented – and makers are looking to collaborate on the colourful condiment. Resurrecting mustard production in Durham was the brainchild of Visit County Durham, as part of its work to develop the county as a culinary destination...

Durham Visitor Information Network’s customer satisfaction score soars

13 Dec 2023

Durham’s Visitor Information Network has scored a 95 per cent customer satisfaction rate in a recent mystery shopping exercise. Each year, the mystery shopper exercise is carried out across the county’s Visitor Information Network, which sees partners delivering a visitor information...

Online Advent Calendar helps showcase Durham this Christmas

6 Dec 2023

The festive period is an important time of year for tourism businesses and Visit County Durham has launched a range of marketing opportunities to support partners and showcase the county. Now in its third year, the Durham Online Advent Calendar is back with exclusive competitions, prizes and...

Influencer collaboration boosts Do Durham Differently campaign

5 Dec 2023

Visit County Durham has joined forces with high profile travel influencers as part of its latest destination marketing campaign. Do Durham Differently aims to showcase the endless staycation possibilities that exist in Durham by highlighting the large variety of attractions, activities and places...

Lumiere media and influencer visits shine a light on Durham

22 Nov 2023

Journalists and social media influencers from across the UK and beyond descended on Durham last week as the UK’s light art biennial made its dazzling return. Visit County Durham worked in partnership with Lumiere producer Artichoke to deliver a group media visit and Instameet to showcase the...

A destination for all: Accessibility takes centre stage at tourism conference

15 Nov 2023

Ensuring an excellent welcome for all visitors was the key theme of Visit County Durham’s 2023 Industry Conference. Representatives from tourism businesses across the sector attended the event at Lumley Castle – from attractions and hotels, to bed and breakfasts and suppliers to industry. The...

Campaign encourages visitors to ‘Do Durham Differently’

8 Nov 2023

Durham’s unique and diverse experiences, world-class attractions and eclectic accommodation are the inspiration behind a new campaign aimed at boosting the county’s visitor economy. Do Durham Differently is the latest national destination marketing campaign from Visit County Durham and...

Research reveals Memorable Moments marketing campaign generated millions in visitor spend

24 Oct 2023

Visit County Durham’s national destination marketing campaign, Memorable Moments, generated £86.6 million in visitor spend, research has revealed.

Flying the flag for Durham and North East England in the USA

6 Sep 2023

Durham and North East England will be showcased to more than 50 top travel buyers from across North America at a major travel trade event this week. Visit County Durham is attending VisitBritain’s Destination Britain North America (DBNA) trade event in San Francisco, as part of its ongoing work...

Penny farthing riding TikTok sensation crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2023

19 Jul 2023

A museum engager who has devoted almost 40 years to ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2023. Ian Bean, an engager at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, secured the most public votes in the annual competition, which is organised by...