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Boost for Durham as new developments drive growth in the visitor economy

Latest tourism figures show a major boost for Durham’s economy as the county builds on its bumper £1bn milestone achieved in 2022 and new attractions helping set a new record.

Rhiannon Hiles, chief executive officer at Beamish Museum; Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham; Edward Perry, chief executive officer at The Auckland Project; Pam Porter, operations and events manager at Locomotion; Cllr Elizabeth Scott
Rhiannon Hiles, chief executive officer at Beamish Museum; Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham; Edward Perry, chief executive officer at The Auckland Project; Pam Porter, operations and events manager at Locomotion; Cllr Elizabeth Scott

Visit County Durham, the county’s Destination Management Organisation and Durham County Council’s tourism service, has welcomed the results which show visitor expenditure rose by 18.8% in 2023, with the value of the county’s visitor economy hitting £1.23bn.


Overall, 20.15 million people visited the county last year, an increase of 12.5%.


The number of people employed in tourism has also grown, up by 12.4% to 13,178.


It is welcome news as visitor numbers and employment have now exceeded pre-pandemic figures for the first time.


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