Visit County Durham
Visit County Durham (VCD) is the destination management organisation for County Durham and one of a portfolio of nationally supported, strategic, and high-performing accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnerships. We provide strong local leadership and governance, and are committed to the promotion, management, and development of County Durham as a great place to live, work, visit and do business.
Visit County Durham works in partnership locally, regionally, and nationally on shared priorities and targets. Our mission is to support and grow the visitor economy through robust destination management, strong stakeholder relationships and clear planning.
Our vision is to create the conditions for our residents, businesses, and the environment to benefit from sustainable growth in our visitor economy. By supporting and marketing our distinctive heritage, landscapes, culture and warm welcome, we will grow both day and overnight visits and make County Durham a compelling, global destination for tourism, culture, and business.
Destination performance
21.98m
(Visitors Annually)
Over 8m
(75 Attractions)
8%
(Overnight Stays)
14,069
(Jobs Within the Industry)
Β£1.49bn
(Annual Income)
Latest news
Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant leads star-studded Durham Book Festival line-up celebrating stories forged in the North
21 Aug 2026
Durham Book Festivalβs 2026 line-up features some of the UK's most exciting writers, thinkers, performers and broadcasters exploring literature, politics, history, music, and poetry. Taking place from 9β11 October, mainly […]
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Bishopβs alive as campaign gains visitor traction
21 Aug 2026
Visitors are being encouraged to enjoy a βbonkers day outβ in Bishop Auckland after The Auckland Project launched a major new advertising campaign under its public-facing brand, Bishopβs alive, on […]
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Rare masterpieces by one of Spainβs greatest sculptors go on display in Bishop Auckland
17 Aug 2026
Three remarkable 17th-century works of art by one of Spainβs greatest sculptors have gone on display at the Spanish Gallery in Bishop Auckland. Sculpting the Sacred celebrates Pedro de Mena […]
Read More about Rare masterpieces by one of Spainβs greatest sculptors go on display in Bishop AucklandSuppliers to industry
Tall Tales Mysteries
Murder mystery company based in the North East with teams of actors working from Northumberland to South Yorkshire.If you want intrigue and mystery to draw customers new and old to […]
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Northern Print Distribution
Northern Print Distribution: Putting your leaflets precisely where you want them. At Northern Print Distribution we can help you implement an effective leaflet marketing campaign that will drive crucial footfall […]
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Every Season Pest Control
Do you have a business or property in Durham that requires regular/ routine pest inspections? Do you put your pest contract out to tender every year or are you simply […]
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Towergate Insurance Brokers
Towergate have been insuring businesses in the North East of England since 1973. With our expertise in the Leisure and Hospitality Sectors, we have been offering both packaged and bespoke […]
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VCD Blog -Β A new chapter for tourism in North East EnglandΒ
The creation of Experience North East England (ENEE) is an important milestone for tourism across our region. It signals a shared ambition to raise the profile of North East England, […]
Read More about VCD Blog -Β A new chapter for tourism in North East EnglandΒStaycation campaign inspires consumers to holiday at homeΒ
The latest VisitBritain research shows that staycations are on the rise, fuelled by the uncertainty of overseas travel. 8 in 10 opted to holiday at home in 2025, generating Β£25.3m […]
Read More about Staycation campaign inspires consumers to holiday at homeΒPartner Update July 2026
The latest bi-annual partner update is now available. This special 20th anniversary edition highlights Visit County Durhamβs latest projects, results, and destination news. And as the destination management organisation celebrates two […]
Read More about Partner Update July 2026Ushaw catering supervisor crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2026
A member of staff renowned for his exceptional customer service, genuine warmth and dedication to visitors has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2026. Kyle Gregory, Catering Supervisor at Ushaw Historic […]
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