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
Vote for Kynren
4 Feb 2026
Public voting is OPEN for Tourism Event & Festival of the Year at the North East England Tourism Awards - and the winner is decided by you! Kynren has been nominated for the award so come on Durham, show your support by casting your vote by this Friday 6 February.
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Domestic Sentiment Tracker
4 Feb 2026
VisitEngland's Domestic Sentiment Tracker for January 2026 shows that overall perceptions of the cost of living crisis have improved compared to December 2025. Domestic trip intentions in January were stable with 77% of UK consumers intending a domestic overnight trip over the next 12 months. Download the full report.
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A message from Visit County Durham's Managing Director, Michelle Gorman
4 Feb 2026
As we begin 2026, Durham’s visitor economy is well positioned for continued growth. Ambition, collaboration and a clear strategic direction provide a solid platform as we move forward and build on recent success. Durham’s position as a compelling and competitive destination continues to be shaped by the quality, creativity and commitment of our businesses across […]
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Optimus Mortgages Ltd
Welcome to Optimus Mortgages. We help people from 18 to 118 find the right mortgage or later life lending solution to fit their unique situation. Whether you’re buying your first home, remortgaging, self-employed, or looking to unlock property wealth in retirement, we offer clear, friendly, whole-of-market advice. No jargon, no pressure, just smart, personalised guidance […]
Visit Website http://www.optimusmortgages.co.uk/
Screaming Chimp Chilli Sauce
Screaming Chimp provide all natural, vegan friendly and naturally gluten free chilli sauces. Hit the website at screamingchimp.com to #keeponchimpin
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The HUB & MINT Business Club
The HUB Consett has a selection of training spaces available to hire. Once a month our sister company MINT Business Club uses our large training space for its own unique training program. MINT is a community of small like-minded business owners who want to run successful businesses and grow their businesses in the right way. […]
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William Peat Butchers
Teesdale's oldest and finest butchers. Beef and lamb is locally produced supplemented by the best Yorkshire pork and poultry.
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Visit County Durham latest
North East Combined Authority sets growth plans for the North East visitor economy
The North East Combined Authority (NECA) has published Cabinet papers ahead of its meeting on 9 December, outlining proposals regarding growth plans for the North East visitor economy including organisational arrangements for a new regional tourism body – provisionally titled Experience North East England. The new body is intended to work collaboratively with Local Authorities, the […]
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Government Consultation on a Potential Tourism Levy – Have Your Say
The UK Government has launched a consultation on proposals that would enable Mayoral Combined Authorities to introduce a tourism levy. If implemented, the levy could be applied to visitor accommodation to raise funds for local services and visitor economy investment. Summary The consultation seeks views on the design of a new Mayoral power to create […]
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Durham Cricket partnership shortlisted for national award
The inspiring partnership between the county’s new place brand, The Durham Story, and Durham Cricket’s first professional women’s team, has been recognised nationally after being named as a finalist in the ECB Business of Cricket Awards 2025. To ensure long-term success, Durham Cricket needed the right partners, those who not only aligned with their values, […]
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County Durham showcased as a cultural, heritage and investment destination during US Civic Delegation visit
A civic delegation from Durham, North Carolina, USA – sister city to Durham, UK – has been welcomed to County Durham as part of a cultural exchange programme. The event was hosted by Durham County Council and supported by the council’s international team within Visit County Durham, working alongside key partners. The visit, which built […]
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