September 2010

New Campaign Highlights Durham as the Natural Destination for UK Breaks

Visit County Durham has launched the "It's in our Nature" campaign to entice visitors from across the UK to take short breaks and overnight stays in this diverse County.  The initiative hopes to increase the 18 million visitor numbers and to boost Durham's tourism which is worth £650m to the county's economy.

Durham's unparalleled natural landscapes include the Durham Dales (Teesdale and Weardale), designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beaty and, to the East, the dramatic Heritage Coast.  Its distinguished history has also produced one of Europe's most stunning city panaramas; Durham Cathedral and Castle World Heritage Site.

Melanie Sensicle, Chief Executive of Visit County Durham said:"It's in our Nature is an exciting move for Durham's tourism industry.  Our marketing and PR will promote the natural beauty of our Dales, City and Coast and at the same time reveal the nature of our people and places by focusing on our history, heritage, culture and visitor attractions."

To find our more about the campaign log onto www.thisisdurham.com

August 2010

Ambassadors to Champion Coastal Tourism Drive

Former coal-belt aims to profit from tourism

More than 20 ambassadors have been recruited for a scheme aiming to boost tourism to the Durham Heritage Coast.

The new ambassadors will champion ‘Know your Durham Coast,’ a scheme to provide businesses with the skills to ensure that tourists are given a first class welcome when they visit the area.

The ambassadors, which includes hoteliers, public agencies, café, restaurant, pub and taxi firm owners are working with specialist tourism agency Visit County Durham and tourism consultants TLC Ltd to promote the scheme to the local business community over the next six months.

Sarah Barber, business development manager for Seaham Hall Hotel and The Serenity Spa, is one of the ambassadors, she said: “This scheme is so important because the way a tourist is treated when they arrive in a new place is crucial to what they say about it once they leave. If they receive a warm welcome they are more likely to come back again and recommend to friends and relatives that they also plan a visit.”

Workshops were held at Seaton Holme in Easington Village to train the ambassadors to tell the story of the Durham Heritage Coast and explain to other local businesses the economic benefits of growing tourism to the area.  Click here to read more