Member Article

County Durham gives VIPs red carpet treatment

County Durham has launched its first ever VIP Passport, giving holders the freedom of the county, with exclusive entry into almost 30 attractions. Created by the Durham Attractions Group, the pass is aimed at a nation-wide audience of travel writers, key influencers within the travel industry and Tourist Information Staff – those who can influence people outside the region and encourage them to discover the range of experiences the county has to offer.

The Durham Attractions Group was set up by the County Durham Tourism Partnership (CDTP) as a forum for members to discuss common issues and share their experience and knowledge. The pass is the first of their ideas to come to fruition, and gives users the freedom to explore the county, opening the doors to 28 attractions, including Durham County Cricket Club, the Bowes Museum, Killhope and Durham Cathedral and Castle.

Craig Wilson, destination development and marketing manager at CDTP, said: “The VIP Pass is a key tool in encouraging more visitors from outside the region to discover County Durham. By giving tour operators and tourist group planners the keys to the county, they can experience a wide variety of attractions and get a real feel for what our area has to offer. When they’re putting together their tour itineraries they’ll know exactly where to plan their visits. “We’re also trying to attract regional, national and international travel writers. The VIP Pass will allow them to experience the width and depth of visitor attractions available in County Durham.”

Richard Dowson, operations manager at Durham County Cricket Club, said: “Not only do we host high profile cricket matches, but we also hold other events, like music concerts, which are important on both a regional and national scale. This scheme adds another string to our bow, by raising awareness of what we have to offer.”

For more information about the pass and the Durham Attractions Group, go to www.visitcountydurham.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .