Press Release

Durham’s conference, meetings and events venues have been brought together on a new website by Visit County Durham.

Meetindurham.co.uk also showcases the county’s high-quality delegate accommodation and experiences, enabling Visit County Durham to target a market identified as a post-covid opportunity in the government’s Tourism Recovery Plan. The plan highlights how business events and conferencing can benefit destinations with smaller and rural venues, making Durham, with its coast, countryside and historic city, perfectly placed to meet the demand

The county is packed full of unique venues and meeting spaces – from rural retreats and castles to stylish hotels and award-winning attractions. Add in its rich cultural offer, exciting teambuilding opportunities and excellent rail, road and air transport links, Durham ticks all the boxes.

Visit County Durham is keen to realise Durham’s untapped potential within this growing market.

A one-stop shop

Michelle Gorman, managing director of Visit County Durham, said: “The coronavirus pandemic had a massive impact on the tourism sector. Visitor attractions, accommodation providers and hospitality businesses faced long-term closures and challenging restrictions the likes of which we had never seen before.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, we are committed to continuing to support businesses to recover and build back better. The business events and conferencing market is an area where Durham has great potential for growth and the Meet in Durham website provides a platform for us to showcase everything we have got to offer. It really is a one-stop shop.”

As well as providing useful information on the website, Visit County Durham is also offering a venue and accommodation finder service through their in-house information team.

Reaching international audiences

Alongside Ramside Estates, Visit County Durham recently attended International Confex, a leading exhibition bringing together conferencing and events professionals from around the world.

John Adamson, managing director of Ramside Estates, said: “County Durham has so much to offer for the conference, meetings and events market so having a dedicated website which can showcase all of that in one place can only benefit everyone.

“The great transport links, the brilliant location and the sheer quality of everything from the event spaces to the accommodation is something that we need to shout about more, not just to a local and national audience, but also an international one.

“We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with Visit County Durham to help drive more of this business to the area.”