Visitor economy boost

Increased visitor numbers and growing demand for business space have boosted Durham’s economy, city officials have said, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar. 

Latest footfall figures show that the number of people visiting the city centre has increased by 7.5 per cent over the last year, despite a challenging time for businesses and changing shopping habits. 

The latest increase has been hailed as a major boost in confidence for the city’s future. 

Paul Howard, Durham BID manager, said the figures were “encouraging” as new developments are created across the city. 

There is also increased demand for overnight hotel stays, according to one of the city’s major hotel operators. 

Mr Howard said: “The increase in footfall shows that more people are choosing to visit Durham to shop, dine, stay and enjoy everything the city has to offer. 

“That increased activity is bringing real benefits to local businesses and helping to create a vibrant atmosphere across the city centre.”

He added that demand for business space is at its highest ever rate, thanks to the city’s visitor attractions and independent businesses. 

The proposed development of a revamped Prince Bishops Shopping Centre to provide a mixed-use shopping, living and leisure site has been hailed as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to transform and secure the city centre’s future.  

Stuart Lloyd, manager at the city’s Radisson Blu hotel, said: “There is really strong demand from people looking to experience everything the city has to offer.

“VisitEngland is forecasting a staycation boom across the UK this summer, partly driven by global factors and changing travel habits, and it is vital that Durham City is ready to capture those opportunities.”

Earlier this year, County Durham tourism bosses were urged to improve the number of people staying overnight. After data showed just 1.64 million people stayed overnight, compared to 19.93 million day visitors. 

The total 21.56 million visitors generated £1.38 billion for the region’s tourist economy. 

But officials at Visit County Durham, the region’s tourism body, were told the region isn’t being properly marketed as a tourist destination to attract new visitors.  

Yet, city officials have pointed to upcoming events such as the annual Jazz Festival and Pride event as reasons to be optimistic. 

Councillor Elizabeth Scott, of the City of Durham Parish Council, said: “There is even more to look forward to in Durham over the coming months, with new businesses continuing to open and an exciting programme of events helping to bring even more energy and activity into the city.”