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)
ยฃ1.49bn
(Annual Income)
Latest news
Future is bright for The Light following opening weekend
24 Aug 2026
Visitors of all ages took their first steps into The Light, Durhamโs brand-new cultural attraction, as it officially opened its doors to the public. An unforgettable programme of activities was […]
Read More about Future is bright for The Light following opening weekendThe Light opens its doors with a spectacular weekend of culture and creativity
24 Aug 2026
The Light has officially opened its doors in Durham City, welcoming visitors to a spectacular weekend of culture, creativity and community. The new Durham County Council venue at Aykley Heads […]
Read More about The Light opens its doors with a spectacular weekend of culture and creativityPet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant leads star-studded Durham Book Festival line-up celebrating stories forged in the North
21 Aug 2026
Durham Book Festivalโs 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 9โ11 October, mainly […]
Read More about Pet Shop Boys' Neil Tennant leads star-studded Durham Book Festival line-up celebrating stories forged in the NorthSuppliers 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 […]
Read More about Northern Print Distribution
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 […]
Read More about Every Season Pest Control
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 […]
Read More about Towergate Insurance BrokersVisit County Durham latest
VCD Blog -ย A new chapter for tourism in North East Englandย
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 -ย A new chapter for tourism in North East EnglandยStaycation campaign inspires consumers to holiday at homeย
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 ยฃ25.3m […]
Read More about Staycation campaign inspires consumers to holiday at homeยPartner Update July 2026
The latest bi-annual partner update is now available. This special 20th anniversary edition highlights Visit County Durhamโs 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 […]
Read More about Ushaw catering supervisor crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2026


