Durham visitor economy nears record £1.5 billion

Michelle Gorman, left, managing director of Visit County Durham, with Councillor Karen Allison, portfolio holder for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street at Durham County Council, outside The Light at Aykley Heads, in Durham

A North East visitor economy has continued its record-breaking growth trajectory.

County Durham’s visitor economy reached £1.48 billion in 2025, according to the latest independent STEAM assessment, marking an eight per cent increase on the previous year and a third consecutive year of record-breaking results.

Visit County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service, has welcomed the figures, which it says reflect sustained investment, partnership working and the continued development of high-quality visitor experiences across the county.

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