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Press Releases

Read our latest news updates and releases for the tourism industry.

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Format: 29-12-2023

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Format: 30-12-2023

County Durham showcased as a cultural, heritage and investment destination during US Civic Delegation visit

29 Oct 2025

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...

National campaign encourages holidaymakers to make Durham their Next Stop

28 Oct 2025

Visit County Durham has launched a major national destination marketing campaign to inspire consumers to make Durham their next stop for a staycation, positioning the county as a must-visit destination for UK holidaymakers. Running from autumn 2025 to spring 2026, ‘Next Stop, Durham’ will...

Renowned Irish TV Chef shines a spotlight on North East England in upcoming TV series

27 Oct 2025

North East England’s best culinary hotspots and heritage attractions are set to reach an international audience, as award-winning Irish chef Neven Maguire films a brand-new series of his popular television programme across the region. Neven and his crew were in the North East in September filming...

Champions set to showcase Durham on a global scale

30 Jul 2025

Businesses, organisations and individuals from across County Durham have come together for the first Durham Champions – an exciting new county-wide network made up of people who are passionate about the place and want to see it thrive. It follows the recent launch of the county’s place brand -...

Durham showcased to thousands at The Great Yorkshire Show

14 Jul 2025

Members of the Visit County Durham team headed south last week to fly the flag for Durham at The Great Yorkshire Show. The annual four-day event is a highlight in the agricultural diary attracting 140,000 visitors, the show is an excellent opportunity to promote Durham as Yorkshire represents a...

Visit County Durham receives sustainable tourism award

9 Jul 2025

Visit County Durham has been awarded a prestigious green accolade for its commitment to sustainability.

Raby Castle volunteer crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2025

2 Jul 2025

A loyal member of one of County Durham’s star attractions has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2025. 86-year-old Jimmy Nicol has been a volunteer at Raby Castle since 2018 and works as a Room Steward, meeting and greeting visitors and sharing his vast knowledge about the Castle. He was...

Bumper investment drives continued growth for Durham’s visitor economy

11 Jun 2025

Latest tourism figures show a major boost for Durham’s visitor economy as the county sees overall visitor expenditure rise to a record £1.38billion, with the number of day visitors now 7.6% higher than pre pandemic figures, and overnight visitors also rising by 1.8%. Visit County Durham, the...

Make your Next Stop Durham

29 Nov 2024

UK holiday makers are being urged to explore the beauty of their own country before jetting off to other destinations. A new campaign is highlighting why Durham should be at the top of everyone’s must visit list. Its unique and diverse experiences and world-class attractions make it the perfect...

Looking to the future: AI and data information takes centre stage at Visit County Durham's annual conference

8 Nov 2024

Looking to the future with knowledge and some help from modern technology was the theme of this year’s Visit County Durham annual conference which took place on Wednesday 6 November. Representatives from visitor economy businesses across the county attended the event at The Manor House Hotel in...

Visit County Durham announces new Chair

18 Sep 2024

Visit County Durham Ltd has announced the formal appointment of its new Chair. Duncan Peake from Raby Estates will take on the role having held the post of Interim Chair since last June. Duncan has been on the board of directors at Visit County Durham for six years. As an experienced...

Durham City is officially 'Coach Friendly'

14 Aug 2024

Durham City has been awarded the Confederation of Passenger Transport’s ‘Coach Friendly’ accreditation, in recognition of the city’s commitment to coach tourism. The award was presented to Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships. Durham...

North East tourism campaign is a hit stateside

23 Jul 2024

The North East’s incredible icons, exciting adventures and distinctive food and drink have been showcased in the US as part of a campaign in partnership with national tourism agency VisitBritain, aimed at growing inbound visits to the region. Destination management organisation Visit County...

Kynren volunteer crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2024

17 Jul 2024

A key member of one of Durham’s star attractions has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2024. Wendy Wilshere, Head of Casting and Engagement at 11 Arches - the organisation behind Kynren, secured the most public votes in the annual competition, which is organised by Visit County Durham, Durham...

Boost for Durham as new developments drive growth in the visitor economy

12 Jul 2024

Latest tourism figures show a major boost for Durham’s economy as the county builds on its bumper £1bn milestone achieved in 2022, with new attractions playing a key role in helping the county reach a new record. Visit County Durham, the county’s Destination Management Organisation and Durham...