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Latest News
All the latest news from the Industry and the Visit County Durham Grapevine newsletter.
Industry
Popular TV chefs to star at Seaham Food Festival
16 May 2024
Two popular TV presenters are among the first celebrity chefs to be announced for Seaham Food Festival. The Durham County Council-run festival will return to Seaham’s coastline on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 August, with two days packed with celebrity cookery demonstrations, street entertainment, and...
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Industry
VisitEngland joins forces with AccessAble to promote new tourism accessibility guides
16 May 2024
VisitEngland is working with AccessAble to support hospitality and tourism businesses across England to provide detailed descriptions of their venue accessibility for visitors. Through AccessAble’s new Your Accessibility Guide portal, businesses can book and pay for either a guided or on-site...
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Industry
Business Growth opportunity
15 May 2024
Are you running a tourism and hospitality business and looking for ways to improve your profitability? The Durham Business Growth Programme has expert advisors to help you focus on practical ways to boost your business exposure, leads and sales. Eligible businesses receive a tailored action plan,...
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Industry
Proud Allies training
15 May 2024
Proud allies training raises awareness and increases confidence around inclusive language and engaging with LGBTQIA+ communities and people. Delivered by Northern Pride in partnership with Curious Arts, we are offering three free sessions at Delta Hotels by Marriott in Durham on the...
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Industry
Funding boost for reimagined cultural venue
10 May 2024
A cultural venue that will bring internationally significant exhibitions to County Durham has been awarded £500,000, as work gets underway on site. Durham County Council has secured the grant from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme to support its plans to reopen the former...
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Industry
Raby Castle champions local contractors and heritage skills
9 May 2024
As the ambitious two-year development scheme, The Rising nears completion, Raby Castle has used the North East’s most skilled local contractors and suppliers to complete the new retail, hospitality and events destination. The Rising, a collection of restored heritage buildings, two thoughtfully...
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Industry
ManageGreen
8 May 2024
VCD Strategic Partner Host & Stay has announced the launch of ManageGreen within their property management packages. Dedicated to fostering sustainabiity and conscious travel, ManageGreen represents Host & Stay's commitment to environmental responsibility and signifies an important step...
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Industry
Tourism Awards open for applications
8 May 2024
Applications are now open for the 2025 North East England Tourism Awards! With 16 categories to choose from there's sure to be one that suits your business. You can enter as many categories as are relevant to you and your team. To help you with writing and submitting an application, workshops will...
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Industry
Meet up and make a difference
8 May 2024
As part of VCD's commitment to deliver more sustainable events and drive regenerative tourism growth, we have introduced a theoretical free place at our training days and events. This entails donating the cost of the day delegate rate and a Supplier Partner stand at each event to the County Durham...
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Industry
DDP update
8 May 2024
A reminder that the next Destination Development Partnership update is being held online on Tuesday 14th May at 8:30am. Hear from Visitor Economy leaders on a range of topics and updates from the programmes being delivered as part of the Destination Development Partnership Pilot. Reserve your place.
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Industry
Tickets to go on sale tomorrow as Luxmuralis returns to Durham Cathedral in October
2 May 2024
Luxmuralis is returning for a third year to Durham Cathedral with Space, and tickets go on sale at 11am on Friday 3 May, with some special discounted rates. From Wednesday 9 to Sunday 13 October, visitors will be able to experience stunning light projections of galaxies and see original...
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Industry
Screen Tourism
1 May 2024
Screen tourism has seen significant growth as the 'set jetting' trend continues, with consumers influenced by their favourite films and programmes in their choice of holiday destination. Our county is home to many landmarks and landscapes that have been featured in Hollywood blockbusters, cult...
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Industry
Host & Stay Launches ManageGreen: Elevating Sustainable Practices in Holiday Home Management
1 May 2024
Host & Stay, a trailblazer in the holiday let management industry, proudly announces the launch of ManageGreen within their property management packages. Dedicated to fostering sustainability and conscious travel, ManageGreen represents Host & Stay's commitment to environmental...
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Industry
New £2.5 million walking and cycling route planned for Durham City
29 Apr 2024
A key travel route linking educational, retail and residential sites in the north of Durham City is set to benefit from enhanced walking and cycling facilities thanks to a £2.5 million grant. Durham County Council has secured funding from Active Travel England to deliver improvements along a 2.5km...
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Industry
Raby Castle achieves Green Tourism Award
23 Apr 2024
Raby Castle has secured a significant achievement in the Green Tourism awards certification programme with a silver in recognition of the business’s commitment to sustainability. The Green Tourism awards are acknowledged worldwide as an indicator of good environmentally-friendly practice and act...
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