International travel trade ‘Discover Durham’ as group destination

5th September 2018

Categories: Latest News

Discover Durham welcomed international travel trade operators in September to experience the best the county has to offer the inbound group travel market.

Discover Durham, the group travel brand part of Visit County Durham, arranged the two-day visit in partnership with UKinbound and Eleven Arches. The event was an opportunity to showcase the award-winning attractions, unique activities and group friendly accommodation that make Durham the ideal destination.

Guests from Cashel Travel, Virgin Experience Days, Kuoni, Interopa, Best of Tours, Coaches Etc., Miki Travel Ltd, Scancoming UK, Pinpoint Britain, Yangzi Tours, Angela Shanley Associates and Jac Travel enjoyed an itinerary filled with activities to highlight the group travel offer.

The exciting itinerary featured a networking lunch at Crook Hall & Gardens, a 13^th century hall, followed by check in and show round of Radisson Blu Hotel Durham – a contemporary hotel located in the city centre of Durham. In the evening tour operators were transported by Durham City Coaches to Bishop Auckland where they enjoyed dinner and a show round of Park Head Country Hotel, then delegates were taken back in time to experience Kynren: An Epic Tale of England. Day two celebrated the city’s historic past and UNESCO World Heritage status. Blue Badge Guide Jan Williams escorted the group on a walking tour of the city followed by a visit to Durham Cathedral and Castle.

Michelle Gorman, Managing Director at Visit County Durham, said: “We are delighted to highlight Durham as a group travel destination to high profile, international travel delegates. The initial feedback from both our Discover Durham partners and attendees has been extremely encouraging and we’re looking forward to the positive impact this will have on future group bookings and the visitor economy across the county”.

The tour operators found Durham to be full of historic charm and commented that the passion demonstrated from every guide throughout the visit was ‘infectious’.

Charlie Barrett, Partnership Manager at Virgin Experience Days said: “Durham is a gem in the North of England and my trip was fantastic. The passion from every guide was infectious and Durham has the most fantastic history but an even better future. I would recommend anyone to visit and particularly the Cathedral”.