Our staff

Melanie Sensicle, Chief Executive
Melanie started her working life as a dancer working in summer season and panto in Skegness and Exeter, before pursuing a degree at London University. Stints in book publishing and higher education followed before she entered the world of destination management.

During 7-years at VisitBrighton Melanie built up substantial experience in tourism and partnership working. She brings enthusiasm and ambition to County Durham and believes the county is England's hidden jewel.

Craig Wilson, Destination Development & Marketing Manager
Originally from Sunderland and a time served shipyard welder, Craig returned to education to graduate from universities in Sheffield, Leicester and Nottingham.

Craig spent 6 years with Visit Britain based in Germany and London covering the German, Austrian, Swiss, Japanese and Asian markets. He led the destination marketing and branding of York with York Tourism Bureau, introducing the York Pass, York - Live the History branding, "Stay, just a little bit longer" short break campaign, and the "5 Routes to shopping heaven" and First Stop York by Ferry promotions.

David McKnight, Business Relationship Manager
Born and brought up in Sunderland, David returned to the County six years ago to work in rural regeneration in Teesdale where he managed the Market Towns Initiative regeneration programme, winning a range of awards for tourism projects during his tenure. He joined CDTP as Business Relationship Manager in October 2007.

Trained as an agri-environmental chemist and soil scientist at Leeds University and a graduate member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, David has worked in a variety of industries and brings expertise in business development, training, project management and enterprise to CDTP coupled with personal knowledge of successful new business start-ups and third sector board level experience.

Michelle Gorman, Office Manager
Michelle Gorman moved back to the North East in 2006 after living for many years in Hertfordshire. She has worked in a wide range of industries and in businesses large and small. She has been involved in the start up of several small companies which makes her perfect for her central role in the company ensuring smooth running day to day. Michelle is responsible for CDTP's Gold Award from the Green Tourism Business Scheme.

Margaret Statham, Business Relationship Executive
Originating from North West Durham, Margaret returned to the County after attending Leicester and Sheffield Universities. She started her working career as a Design and Conservation planner with Durham County Council and joined the County Council's Tourism Team over 20 years ago.

Since then she has gained wide experience in all aspects of Tourism in County Durham. For many years she was responsible for the County Council's tourism publications, including the Holiday Guide, and working with attractions and accommodation has built up an extensive knowledge of the County Durham tourism product.

Louise Sams, Product Development Executive
Louise completed an HND and BA (Hons) degree in Tourism Management at Leeds Metropolitan University, and graduated in 2003. The course included a one year work placement as a Trainee Manager at the Swallow Hotel in Gateshead.

After completing her degree Louise spent three and a half years at Destination Durham, a project which involved working with business tourism providers across County Durham.

Louise has a good knowledge of the tourism product within the County, which she is keen to expand. She is looking forward to working in partnership with the tourism providers to make County Durham a leading tourism destination.

Laura Cowie, Marketing Executive
Laura graduated from Northumbria University with a BA (Hons) Travel & Tourism Management in 2002. The course included a one year

Laura moved to London upon completion of her degree and held marketing roles at Thomson Holidays (TUI UK) and then 3 years at Visit London, firstly working on domestic marketing and then later heading up long haul marketing.