Visit County Durham attended two key domestic travel trade events during February, promoting group-friendly attractions and accommodation to travel trade, coach and tour operators.

The Coach Tourism Association Annual Workshop took place in Derry-Londonderry and attracted nearly 180 industry stakeholders, with the Buyer Workshop hosting a record 1,296 meetings between CTA buyer members and CTA supplier members.

CTA Vice Chair, Jason Edwards, said: “The record number of meetings at the Buyer Workshop highlighted the ongoing confidence in the market and the quality of experience that coach tourism provides. It was very positive to see many new members coming to CTA’s flagship annual event for the first time, and many new business agreements have been made as a result of the face-to-face meetings."

Visit County Durham also attended the annual showcase event for the Association of Group Travel Organisers in Leicester, to inspire planners to make Durham their next destination.

Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham added: “Durham is one of the most group-friendly destinations in the country, holding 3 Coach Friendly Accreditation awards as well as being named as best UK destination for groups at the 2025 Group Leisure and Travel Awards, which we are shortlisted for again this year. This is down to the commitment of our partners to provide excellent experiences for this important market, and events such as those delivered by the Coach Tourism Association and Association of Group Travel Organisers are excellent opportunities to showcase the county face-to-face with potential buyers.”