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All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Durham Business Growth Fund
24 Jan 2024
he Durham Business Growth Fund Programme is open for applications. The scheme is designed to support business growth and increase productivity, offering a selection of grants for eligible businesses, covering both capital expenditure and consultancy funding. Workshops are also being held in Barnard...
Read More about Durham Business Growth FundGrants available for new retail businesses in County Durham
24 Jan 2024
Aspiring entrepreneurs with ambitions to set up retail, leisure or hospitality businesses in County Durham can apply for a new grant to help make their dream a reality. Durham County Council has launched the Retail Start Up Grant to support businesses in their first six months of trading. It is...
Read More about Grants available for new retail businesses in County DurhamNorth East set to host more than 100 travel trade at two key events
24 Jan 2024
European and UK-based tour operators, travel agents and coach tour organisers will be descending on the North East this month as part of a drive to increase overseas visitors to the region. The region will be hosting two key travel trade events over the weekend of January 26th-30th supporting...
Read More about North East set to host more than 100 travel trade at two key events2023: Year in Search
24 Jan 2024
We take a look back on what visitors searched for and looked at throughout 2023 on thisisdurham.com, the county’s official tourism website. January As 2023 began, our website visitors were looking for Accommodation, Things to Do and Events as the new year got underway. The most popular event page...
Read More about 2023: Year in SearchExciting year ahead at Beamish Museum with new exhibits and a full calendar of events
18 Jan 2024
Look forward to an action-packed 2024 as Beamish, The Living Museum of the North prepares for the opening of its latest Remaking Beamish project exhibits, and has an exciting programme of events lined up throughout the year. With the Beamish Unlimited Pass, visitors to the County Durham open air...
Read More about Exciting year ahead at Beamish Museum with new exhibits and a full calendar of eventsVisitBritain set to host more than 120 international travel trade on educational visits across Britain
17 Jan 2024
National tourism agency VisitBritain is gearing up to welcome more than 120 international travel buyers for a series of educational visits across Britain, as part of its flagship ‘Showcase Britain 2024’ trade event. The educational visits, underway from 27 January, are a mix of...
Read More about VisitBritain set to host more than 120 international travel trade on educational visits across BritainSave the Date
12 Jan 2024
The next English Tourism Week (ETW) will take place 15-24th March 2024. ETW highlights the importance, value and vast contribution the sector makes to the UK economy. The week provides an essential opportunity to raise the awareness of the visitor economy to key stakeholders.
Read More about Save the DateTravel Trade
12 Jan 2024
Join Destination North East England for an informal introduction to our new travel trade programme on Thursday 18th January from 10am. The session offers insights and information on how to get involved in upcoming travel trade activity. This online session is geared especially towards businesses in...
Read More about Travel TradeA message from Visit County Durham's managing director, Michelle Gorman
12 Jan 2024
2023 has drawn to a close and what an eventful and successful year it was for Durham. The incredible £1bn milestone was achieved for the value of the county's visitor economy, and world-class attractions and visitor accommodation opened to further strengthen our visitor offer. The county secured...
Read More about A message from Visit County Durham's managing director, Michelle GormanDurham Restaurant Week returns this month
9 Jan 2024
It’s back. Durham BID has announced that Durham Restaurant Week will return from January 26th to February 2nd. More than 30 venues across the city have signed up for the event, offering foodies £5, £10, £15, £20 and £25 meal deals - as well as a variety of other offers which have been...
Read More about Durham Restaurant Week returns this monthRaby Castle celebrates its equine past as work commences on 18th century coach house and stables
8 Jan 2024
Restoration work is underway on the 18th century Coach House and Stables at Raby Castle, a key part of ‘The Rising’ development, the ambitious project to restore historic buildings to create a unique new visitor experience for 2024. The prominent Grade II* listed Coach House and Stables reflect...
Read More about Raby Castle celebrates its equine past as work commences on 18th century coach house and stablesMajor funding boost for County Durham’s culture and regeneration programme
5 Jan 2024
A programme of world-class events, skills development and community-led activities has received a £1.25million Place Partnership award from Arts Council England through the National Lottery. Durham County Council submitted the bid on behalf of a consortium of the council, the Culture Durham...
Read More about Major funding boost for County Durham’s culture and regeneration programmeDurham condiment makes regional return
5 Jan 2024
Mustard is once again being made in Durham – where it was first invented – and makers are looking to collaborate on the colourful condiment.
Read More about Durham condiment makes regional returnDiscover Exciting Job Opportunities at Beamish Museum Jobs Fair
5 Jan 2024
Beamish, The Living Museum of the North is looking for enthusiastic, reliable and passionate people to join the team as it prepares for an exciting year ahead. The County Durham open air museum has announced a number of exciting new job opportunities including in The 1900s Town, The 1900s Pit...
Read More about Discover Exciting Job Opportunities at Beamish Museum Jobs FairTake a Seat in Beamish Museum’s 1950s Cinema
15 Dec 2023
Beamish buffs and film fanatics are being offered an exclusive opportunity to Take a Seat in the museum’s 1950s cinema which is due to open in 2024. The County Durham open air museum is building a recreation of The Grand from Ryhope in Sunderland and people are being given the unique opportunity...
Read More about Take a Seat in Beamish Museum’s 1950s Cinema