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 is the only county in the UK to have three coach friendly awards currently.  

Durham continues to be a popular destination for coach visits thanks to the wide variety of group-friendly attractions and accommodation across the county, with both Bishop Auckland and Beamish Museum also holding the Coach Friendly accreditation.

The award recognises work undertaken by Durham County Council, including its tourism service Visit County Durham, and Durham City Parish Council to ensure coach drivers and their passengers can enjoy a safe and smooth visit, and a warm welcome. This includes convenient drop-off and pick-up locations, coach parking facilities, and facilities for drivers.

The Coach Friendly accreditation also reflects Visit County Durham’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism, by encouraging groups to visit the area via bus, coach or train. 

It is hoped that increasing the number of coaches visiting Durham City, and the wider county, will help boost visitor numbers and overnight stays, as well as benefiting shops, cafes and other local businesses.

Cllr Scott said: “We are delighted to receive this accreditation and it is testament to the hard work that has been carried out by stakeholders, and recognition for the effort and commitment that has been made by all those involved. Durham City is exciting and vibrant, and this accreditation will encourage a greater number of visitors arriving by coach, which will boost the local economy and encourage sustainable tourism.’

Phil Smith, Coach Manager at the Confederation of Passenger Transport said: “CPT is delighted to give Coach Friendly accreditation to Durham City, precisely the kind of place that can really gain from this status. This award provides recognised assurance to coach operators, coach drivers and their passengers that they will be well catered for and welcomed by the city and its attractions! It also recognises the commitment made by all the partners involved to curb congestion, improve air quality and protect the local environment whilst continuing to develop more sustainable tourism.”

Michelle Gorman, managing director, Visit County Durham, said: “Coach Friendly Accreditation is an important standard by which many coach companies and their customers measure a destination’s readiness and welcome for group visits. Through achieving the accolade, Durham City can pledge that it can manage coach tourism professionally and deliver a great experience for visitors.”