County Durham tourism bosses have been urged to improve the number of people staying overnight, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The latest data from 2024 recorded 19.93 million day visitors but just 1.64 million overnight visitors in the same period.
That is an increase on the previous year, but the region’s tourism boss admitted more needs to be done.
Michelle Gorman, managing director at Visit County Durham, said: “The nighttime economy is something we have always struggled with, not just in Durham City, but the rest of the county.
“Sometimes you can go to our market towns and everything is shut up by about four o’clock.
“Businesses need to see the demand to justify staying open, but we are hoping, with various initiatives, it will improve.”
Durham County Council scrutinised the latest figures during a debate on the region’s tourism economy.
There are currently 780 accommodation providers throughout the county, providing 17,641 bedspaces, but the tourism body said more accommodation is needed.
Dr Kelly Smith, a co-opted member of the council’s environment scrutiny committee, said: “Durham needs to be an overnight destination.
“People are staying in Newcastle and coming to Durham for a day trip and then going back at night because it’s being presented as a nighttime destination with theatres, restaurants, and nightlife.
“Durham is less strong, and that could be why people are choosing other places to stay overnight.”
Durham Cathedral, Wharton Park and Palace Green Library are all ranked within the top 10 of places most visited in County Durham.
Yet, councillors were told that Durham City underperforms compared to the rest of the county despite continued efforts to attract visitors.
Ms Gorman added: “We will always struggle compared to Newcastle – it’s a big metropolitan city and Durham is a very small heritage city.
“It is difficult because there isn’t enough within the city centre to turn it into a viable 48-hour short break stay. All of the messaging and marketing that we do is about driving overnight demand and stays.”
Chris Lines, Independent county councillor for Sedgefield, played a key role in bringing the national cross-country championships to the town in February but said many participants stayed elsewhere.
He said: “Those who had been able to find accommodation in the local area had stayed very locally, but a lot of people had to stay in Teesside or Tyne and Wear, and it highlighted to me the need to keep finding solutions.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
