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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

Research reveals Memorable Moments marketing campaign generated millions in visitor spend

24 Oct 2023

Visit County Durham’s national destination marketing campaign, Memorable Moments, generated £86.6 million in visitor spend, research has revealed.

Flying the flag for Durham and North East England in the USA

6 Sep 2023

Durham and North East England will be showcased to more than 50 top travel buyers from across North America at a major travel trade event this week. Visit County Durham is attending VisitBritain’s Destination Britain North America (DBNA) trade event in San Francisco, as part of its ongoing work...

Penny farthing riding TikTok sensation crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2023

19 Jul 2023

A museum engager who has devoted almost 40 years to ensuring visitors have an unforgettable experience has been crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2023. Ian Bean, an engager at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, secured the most public votes in the annual competition, which is organised by...

Showcasing Durham at the Great Yorkshire Show

10 Jul 2023

Visit County Durham and its partners are promoting the county as the ultimate destination for days out and staycations at the 164th Great Yorkshire Show this week. The event, which takes place from tomorrow (Tuesday) to Friday 14 July, is expected to attract 140,000 people, making it the ideal...

Durham’s visitor economy hits £1 billion milestone

30 Jun 2023

Tourism contributed more than £1 billion to Durham’s economy for the first time ever in 2022, the latest industry research has revealed. Last year, 17.9 million people visited the county, spending a record-breaking £1.04 billion. This is an increase of 25.6 per cent on 2021 and 8.76 per cent on...

Durham set to bowl over cricket fans this summer

14 Jun 2023

Visit County Durham is once again teaming up with The Barmy Army to showcase Durham as a holiday destination to cricket fans. Following a successful partnership during the Cricket World Cup, Visit County Durham is delighted to be working with the original England cricket team’s supporter club...

Coach Tourism Association membership presents new opportunities for Durham

12 Jun 2023

Discover Durham is now an official member of the Coach Tourism Association. Led by Visit County Durham, Discover Durham is the county’s group travel and trade consortium, representing Durham’s group friendly attractions, accommodation and tour guides. As a member of the Coach Tourism...

Partnership promotes Durham as holiday destination to cricket fans

8 Jun 2023

Visit County Durham has renewed its partnership with Durham Cricket as a spectacular season of sport gets underway. The destination management organisation has been working in partnership with Durham Cricket since 2020 to promote Durham as a holiday destination to cricket fans. And with the...

Successful partnership promoting the Durham Coast renewed

5 Jun 2023

A partnership that is helping to raise awareness of the Durham Heritage Coast across the UK and beyond has been renewed. Visit County Durham is once again joining forces with the National Coastal Tourism Academy (NCTA) to promote the county’s dramatic coastline as a sustainable year-round holiday...

Helping businesses to stand out in the group travel market

26 May 2023

Tourism and hospitality businesses have been taking advantage of specialist training to help them to succeed in the group travel market. This month, Visit County Durham delivered an interactive group travel course, providing businesses with top tips and inspiration on how to stand out in this...

New coach drop-off provision enhances Durham City's group travel experience

24 May 2023

Durham City’s group travel offer is now even better thanks to the introduction of a new coach drop-off and pick-up point. From this month, coach parties visiting the historic city will alight on the other side of the River Wear on Framwelgate Waterside instead of the former drop off point at...

Visit County Durham Chair to retire after 14 years

17 May 2023

Visit County Durham’s long-serving Chair has announced he will retire next month after 14 years of dedicated service. Ivor Stolliday was appointed Chair of the Visit County Durham Ltd board in 2009 and has proven a dedicated and inspirational ambassador for the county. As Durham’s destination...

High demand for Welcome to Durham customer service training

3 May 2023

Visit County Durham has relaunched its popular customer service course, with demand proving so high, a second session is being delivered next month. Welcome to Durham provides practical and immediately usable skills that can make the difference between a visitor being satisfied or dissatisfied....

New website promotes Durham as top destination for business events and conferences

27 Apr 2023

Durham’s conference, meetings and events venues have been brought together on a new website by Visit County Durham. Meetindurham.co.uk also showcases the county’s high-quality delegate accommodation and experiences, enabling Visit County Durham to target a market identified as a post-covid...

Durham City hosts UK launch of innovative litter app

27 Feb 2023

A mobile app that rewards residents and visitors for picking up litter has been launched in Durham City today (Friday 24 February) as part of the county’s commitment to becoming a sustainable destination. UnLitter UK encourages people to play their part in maintaining clean and green communities...