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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
VisitEngland Awards
26 Apr 2023
VisitEngland has announced that this year's VisitEngland Awards for Excellence will be held at Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter on 7th June. There were more than 350 entries to the awards comprising local and regional winners from the 16 aligned competitions which have...
Read More about VisitEngland AwardsShort-term Lets consultation
26 Apr 2023
Following its call for evidence into the potential development of an accommodation registration scheme in Autumn 2022, DCMS has now launched a new consultation into how it might design and implement a registration scheme focused on short-term lets. This consultation seeks views on a range of...
Read More about Short-term Lets consultationDurham Cricket aiming to have a blast with most inclusive summer of cricket ever
20 Apr 2023
This summer Durham Cricket is aiming to make Seat Unique Riverside one of the most inclusive and accessible venues in the country. With a number of improvements to the stadium’s facilities already underway, such as the addition of a changing places space, sensory room, hearing loops and...
Read More about Durham Cricket aiming to have a blast with most inclusive summer of cricket everCampaign update
19 Apr 2023
Visit County Durham's Memorable Moments national destination marketing campaign showcases the experiences that can be had in the county this Spring. The latest online content partnerships are now running with YorkshireLive and LeedsLive, potentially reaching over 19m consumers.
Read More about Campaign updateImproving travel links
19 Apr 2023
Work to improve active travel links along the route of the former Stockton and Darlington Railway and boost the visitor economy is to begin this summer. Durham County Council is investing more than £7million from its allocation from the government's Levelling Up Fund to develop new walking and...
Read More about Improving travel linksDisabled access survey
19 Apr 2023
Over 7,500 people took part in the UK's largest disabled access survey, run by Euan's Guide. The research shows that 72% of disabled people have found accessibility information on a venue's website to be misleading, confusing or inaccurate. 74% of participants also reported having experienced a...
Read More about Disabled access surveyVisit County Durham Update
19 Apr 2023
The latest Visit County Durham Update is now available to view online, covering the key projects, successes, insights and updates of the last 6 months.
Visit Website Download Visit County Durham UpdateDalton Park puts best green foot forward with double award win
14 Apr 2023
Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Destination has achieved two top accolades in recognition of its ongoing commitment to sustainability. The centre won the Greener Business Award at the County Durham Environment Awards in February before scooping the gong for Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism...
Read More about Dalton Park puts best green foot forward with double award winCoronation toolkit
12 Apr 2023
With one month to go until the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort, Britain is in the global spotlight. VisitBritain has developed a toolkit for tourism businesses to help them showcase their Coronation themed offerings to both domestic and international visitors.
Read More about Coronation toolkitPocket Guide 2023
12 Apr 2023
The Durham Pocket Guide 2023 is now available to order. 125,000 copies will be distributed across the region encouraging visitors to stay longer and explore further. To order copies for your business, email visitor@thisisdurham.com.
Read More about Pocket Guide 2023Fire safety
12 Apr 2023
The Home Office has published fully updated guidance for small accommodation businesses to help them comply with fire safety law. The new guide 'Making your small paying guest accommodation safe from fire' replaces the previous 'Do you have paying guests?' guide.
Read More about Fire safetyPartnership Renewals
12 Apr 2023
Our VCD Partnership renewal process is underway for 2023-24 and we'd like to say a big thank you to the many businesses that have renewed already. Please remember to check your spam/junk folder and if you have not yet received your partnership quote, get in touch via...
Read More about Partnership RenewalsSecond County Durham Stack given the go ahead
11 Apr 2023
The transformation of Durham City’s former Marks & Spencer store into an exciting leisure development was given the go-ahead by councillors today (Tues 11 April). Danieli Group announced last year that its plan to create STACK Durham at Silver Street, will ensure that the entire city centre...
Read More about Second County Durham Stack given the go aheadFind a Grant
5 Apr 2023
The Cabinet Office has recently launched a 'Find a Grant' digital service, a single place for eligible individuals and organisations to find and apply for government grants and gain access to financial support. The government has recently decided to make it mandatory for central government...
Read More about Find a GrantCyber Security
5 Apr 2023
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is the UK's technical authority on cyber security and has recently launched the latest phase of the #CyberAware campaign, aiming to help sole traders, micro businesses and small organisations stay safe online. NCSC is urging small business owners to take...
Read More about Cyber Security