Durham tourism bosses launch economy campaign
Dec 7 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal
TOURISM bosses in Durham have launched a campaign to help market and coastal towns benefit from the multi-million pound visitor economy.
Hopes of re-selling Chester-le-Street, Barnard Castle, Bishop Auckland, Seaham and Stanhope were unveiled to the industry at the Riverside Cricket Ground, Chester-le-Street, by tourism agency Visit County Durham and the county council.
The launch follows months of damaging funding cuts which have seen nationwide promotion of North East attractions cancelled.
Yesterday saw the unveiling of visitor maps hoped to form the blueprint for how each town can raise its potential for tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more money in County Durham.
Melanie Sensicle, chief executive for Visit County Durham, said towns in North Yorkshire and Cumbria had visitor maps which encouraged visitors to stay longer in each area, and Durham needed to compete.
“When people come to stay for city breaks in Newcastle or Durham they want to see more of the surrounding area and these maps highlight some of the attractions.
“For example visitors to Bishop Auckland can visit Auckland Castle and Deer Park, Binchester Roman Fort and Escomb Saxon Church.
“Seaham has spectacular coastal walks, Barnard Castle has the Bowes Museum and Stanhope has the Durham Dales Centre, Weardale Railway and nearby a wonderful attraction at Killhope, the North of England Lead Mining Museum. But the town maps do not simply highlight the attractions each town has to offer, they also tell visitors about places of interest nearby.”
The maps contain information about what to see and do, where to stay, shop and eat and contain stories about the history and heritage of each town. They are available for visitors in the county’s six tourist information centres, in hotels, attractions, shops and restaurants.
Seaham is marketed as a “lively harbour town on the Durham Heritage Coast”. Chester-le-Street is “The great North Market town, home to Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground and proud of its Christian heritage”. Barnard Castle is a “historic, must-see European market town”, while Bishop Auckland is a “market town with a fascinating 2,000 year heritage brought to life through events”. And Stanhope is a “green and tranquil market town at the heart of the Durham Dales and hub for outdoor activities.”
Ms Sensicle added: “Families who holiday in England know they won’t get round-the clock sunshine, but there is a host of activities. Tourism supports 11,500 jobs and attracts 18 million visitors to County Durham per year. It is our aim to persuade them to stay longer.”
