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
21.56m
(Visitors Annually)
Over 6m
(75 Attractions)
8%
(Overnight Stays)
13,795
(Jobs Within the Industry)
£1.38bn
(Annual Income)
Latest news
Dalton Park Enhances its Premium Fashion Line-Up with New Belstaff Store
11 May 2026
Dalton Park Outlet, the North East’s largest outlet shopping destination, is set to welcome leading British fashion brand, Belstaff in June. The announcement cements Dalton Park’s position as a premier shopping destination, offering a compelling mix of highly sought-after brands at unbeatable outlet prices. The store will be a true representation of the brand and […]
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Opening date confirmed for Bishop Auckland Bus Station
8 May 2026
A brand-new bus station for Bishop Auckland is set to open this weekend. Durham County Council will officially open the new Bishop Auckland Bus Station to the public this Sunday, 10 May. Built on the site of the former station on Saddler Street, in the town centre, the new transport hub will be a safe […]
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Ramside Hall Climbs the Ranks with NCG 100 Resorts Recognition
8 May 2026
Ramside Hall Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort has firmly established itself among the UK’s leading golf and leisure destinations, securing its place in the prestigious NCG 100 Resorts list – a significant recognition of its continued rise, investment and ambition. National Club Golfer (NCG) is a leading UK authority on golf course rankings and reviews, widely recognised for its expertise in assessing golf […]
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New College Durham
New College Durham has over 50 different higher education and professional qualifications in a diverse range of subjects. We deliver these programmes in addition to other professional training options and qualifications to support you in the development of your whole organisation. Enhancing the qualifications and potential of your existing employees is an ideal way of […]
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Pascal Fintoni & Associates
Are you a Hospitality or Tourism Business in County Durham Looking to Stand Out? Are you ready to transform the reputation of your business with smart AI and digital marketing strategies?Could your marketing campaigns benefit from expert guidance to enhance visibility and drive bookings? That's where I can help. I'm Pascal Fintoni, and for over […]
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The Tea Enthusiasts
The Tea Enthusiasts have a lot to offer business customers large or small. Our personalised hands-on approach to service means your orders will not only be competitively priced within the market but customised to meet your needs. Bring your drinks upmarket and on trend with artisanal teas of the highest quality at prices you wouldn't believe. Business to Business sales are […]
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Reed in Partnership
Reed in Partnership provides the Restart Scheme in County Durham. The Restart Scheme is a support service for long-term unemployed jobseekers. The service gives Universal Credit claimants who are out of work enhanced support to find jobs in their local area. Jobseekers who fit the eligibility criteria receive up to 12 months of intensive personal […]
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Visit County Durham latest
Visit County Durham hosts VisitBritain chief executive for county showcase
Visit County Durham was delighted to host a visit from Patricia Yates last week, Chief Executive Officer of VisitBritain/VisitEngland. Following significant investment in the county’s visitor economy in recent years, through new and enhanced attractions and accommodation, and with even more yet to come, the visit was an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with the […]
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Visit County Durham delivers successful North East showcase at national travel trade show
Visit County Durham led a delegation at the British Tourism and Travel Show, held in Birmingham earlier this month, showcasing the region to group travel organisers, tour and coach operators, on the first ever Destination North East England stand. The event, the UK’s leading group travel exhibition, attracted over 2,000 industry professionals and more than […]
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Visit County Durham connects with travel media at VisitEngland PR event
Visit County Durham showcased the county’s latest tourism stories to national travel media at a VisitEngland PR networking event in London. The event took place at The Hoxton Southwark, bringing together destinations from across England with leading travel and lifestyle journalists, international correspondents, content creators and freelance writers. The networking evening provided a valuable opportunity for destinations to share new tourism developments, experiences and story […]
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Local Stories, National Growth: Driving Durham’s Visitor Economy Forward
As we come to the end of English Tourism Week 2026, I’d like to reflect on the importance of the annual event and how it provides an key opportunity to celebrate the value of our visitor economy and the role it plays in supporting jobs, businesses and communities across the county.
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