Industry News

I hope you are having a good week and are set for the busy summer ahead.

I am sure many of you will have already heard the fantastic news about how tourism contributed more than £1 billion to Durham's economy for the first time ever in 2022.

For while visitor numbers have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, our work to promote the county through national and international marketing campaigns, improve the visitor experience and develop new products is encouraging visitors to stay longer and see and do more. And as visitor numbers continue to grow, so too will visitor spend.

None of this would have been possible without tourism businesses like you. The resilience and innovation you demonstrated during the pandemic was inspirational. I have never felt prouder to work within the tourism industry.

Of course, there are still challenges to overcome but I think it's more important we all take a moment to celebrate this achievement. We have emerged from the pandemic stronger and more determined than ever before to seize opportunities, think creatively and work together to develop Durham as a world-class destination.

Hitting £1 billion is a major milestone for Durham's visitor economy and I would like to thank you for the amazing contribution you have made and continue to make to our county.

Best wishes,
Michelle