Bill Bryson launches new visitor website for County Durham

County Durham Tourism Partnership, the strategic leader for Tourism in County Durham, has announced the launch of the most comprehensive website ever developed for visitors to Durham. The new, upgraded website, visitcountydurham.com was launched this week when world renowned travel writer Bill Bryson logged on as the site’s first official visitor at World Heritage site Durham Cathedral and Castle.

Bryson, who once described Durham Cathedral as the “best cathedral on Planet Earth,” said: “This website is a virtual window into Durham. It brings the place to life and uses the latest technology to inspire visitors to enjoy Durham’s history, heritage, natural beauty and award-winning attractions.”

The website contains more product and visitor information than ever before, and blends contemporary design with an appreciation of Durham’s historic past and vibrant future.

More than 20 leading attractions are also participating in a great-value online promotion called Durham Deals. Web users can select from attractions, including Bowes Museum and World Heritage Site Durham Castle, and benefit from deals including two-for-one entry, and children go free.

Melanie Sensicle, chief executive of County Durham Tourism Partnership, said: “Durham Deals are a great value way to see some of the county’s finest attractions. The vouchers can be used immediately and are an ideal opportunity to share the experience of visiting Durham with partners, friends and family.”

Durham Deals vouchers can be downloaded, printed, cut out at home and used the same day at selected attractions.

The site, developed in partnership with the local tourism industry, features the most advanced technology ever incorporated in a Durham tourism website. Its interactive travel planner maps the route to Durham direct from a person’s doorstep, while a television commercial streamed on the homepage is an excellent snapshot of what visitors can enjoy in the County.

Following the most detailed visitor research ever conducted in the county, CDTP identified the need to attract new visitors and encourage existing visitors to stay longer and enjoy more of Durham.

The website, developed using Desti.ne, the latest tourism database system, is a key part of a marketing drive that responded to CDTP’s visitor segmentation surveys. Results showed that Durham’s visitors of the future are likely to be ‘traditionals,’ or ‘discovers,’ two groups with a keen eye for quality and a passion for new experiences.

CDTP’s themed marketing campaigns, including Durham City Short Breaks, Peace and Tranquillity, Outdoor and Active and Hidden Gems are already delivering greater numbers of new visitors to Durham, as well as engaging existing visitors and local people to try new things.

As a result, the new website is expected to encourage people to stay longer in Durham, and add to the £589 million tourism is currently worth to the Durham economy.

Tourism sustains 12,000 jobs in County Durham and contributes £1.6 million to the economy per day. Last year, 17.7million people visited the County.

For more information, log on to Visitcountydurham.com.