Duncan Peake, Chief Executive Officer of Raby Estates and Director of Visit County Durham, the destination management organization of the Durham County Council, said: peter baron On the Importance of Investing in the Visitor Economy
In the serenity of 200 acres of deer park, magnificent Raby Castle dates back to the 14th century but stands as a striking symbol of how County Durham looks to the future.
And for Duncan Peake, the development planner for Raby Estates, these are exciting times in the history of this stunningly beautiful property, and for County Durham as a visitor destination at large.
“The opportunity to increase the number of visitors to the county over the next 10 years is enormous because we have an offer that can compete with anything else in the country. I want to be,” he declares.
Duncan, photo belowspeaking as Chief Executive Officer of Raby Estates as well as Director of Visit County Durham Ltd, the destination management organization of Durham County Council, where he is passionate about both.
The Rabby Castle site is entering an exciting new era thanks to the significant investment made by Lord and Mrs. Barnard to enhance the visitor experience. Plotters Forest Adventure Playground opened earlier this year, followed by the multi-million ‘Rising’ development in 2024.
The Rising restores and preserves historic buildings within parks and gardens and serves as a contemporary space for events and exhibitions, along with redesigned walled gardens, new dining and retail experiences, and a visitor information hub. revive.
The development is deeply rooted in history, centered around the restoration and reuse of historic buildings within Raby Castle. The term ‘Rising’ was inspired by ‘Rising of the North’, his plot by Tudor in which the Neville family of Rabby Castle played a central role. It also reflects the broader meaning of positivity, growth and improvement. Another example of the successful linking of County Durham’s history and heritage to the future.
“I’ve been blown away by the success of Plotters Forest as the first phase of The Rising. It’s just the beginning,” says Duncan.
The Barnards took over Raby Estate in 2016 and Duncan joined shortly thereafter, bringing a wealth of experience in developing some of the UK’s leading real estate businesses.
“Every penny we generate is reinvested in real estate and the local economy,” explains Duncan. “Lord and Mrs. Barnard’s view is that making this fascinating heritage and safe space more accessible makes it more relevant to people’s lives and makes her Raby as a business safer. is.”
Raby Estates also contributes broadly to the local community and rural economy. For example, along with the County Council-led Digital Durham Program, it is driving efforts to bring high-connectivity broadband to Upper Teesdale, benefiting businesses and homes alike.
Gigabit capabilities are now being rolled out to Forest-in Teesdale and Harwood, beyond another spectacular feature of the Raby Estates, the famous High Force Falls. Improved connectivity also makes a big difference for businesses such as the newly renovated Langdon Beck Hotel.
“The more remote communities you have, the more dependent you are on good connectivity,” says Duncan. “So many educational resources have come online and so has a lot of farming and business his communications. It is important to have
Durham County Council leader Amanda Hopgood has pledged that tourism will play a “key role” in the county’s comprehensive economic strategy, which is currently being finalized. “County Durham has something for everyone: stunning countryside, spectacular coastline and world-class attractions. Visit County Durham does a great job showcasing our unique offerings.” she says.
The county’s latest tourism statistics are certainly encouraging. While 2021 started with him in four months of lockdown, Durham welcomed his 15.7 million visitors, a 38.5% increase from 2020. Visitor spending also increased by 63% to his £826.68 million.
Visiting County Durham, the wider council and its partners support tourism businesses with a variety of initiatives including marketing, product development, research, quality improvement, route to market and training, which Duncan It describes it as “one of the most effective destination management organizations in the country”.
Given his national track record, it’s certainly an admiration, he went on to say: Durham He Dales, the Coastline, and also attractions such as Beamish, The Living Museum of the North, Auckland Project, Bowes Museum, and of course the Ravy!
“Visit Durham County is important in getting the message across to local, national and international consumers that Durham County should be on their list of places to visit. It attracts but needs to attract more long term guests and there is not enough bed space so this needs to be addressed.
“Potential inward-looking investors should also note that Durham County Council has local government with an ambitious vision for regeneration and growth. We want to make things happen, so it’s probably easier to invest here in County Durham than elsewhere.”
Durham, Visit County, which has supported businesses through the pandemic, now faces a new challenge: the cost of living crisis. A quick response was to promote free, low-cost, great-value activities through the “Budget Friendly Days Out” campaign.
It also attracts visitors to the county through its “Memorable Moments” campaign. The campaign is based on five main themes (family vacation, heritage, outdoors, culture, food and drink) and is backed by a host of Durham’s biggest attractions.
Visit County Durham is also exploring increased opportunities within the international market resulting from the uncertain economic climate. For example, the weaker pound has made Britain a more attractive holiday destination for tourists from the United States.
At the same time, new tourism products such as the Northern Saints Trails are being developed and are expected to attract 85,000 annual visitors between 2022 and 2025, generating £4.7m in annual visitor spending.
Recruitment is another issue facing the sector, and Visit County Durham is working with colleges of further education to address skills gaps and advance careers in travel and tourism.
Given that it was the career path that Duncan chose, it is an area that Duncan is particularly passionate about. He is proud that Raby Estates currently employs 105 permanent and seasonal employees. This is almost double what he was six years ago. He focuses on skill development.
“We work closely with universities, have our own internal leadership programs, and recruit apprentices across real estate. And you can’t say it’s an educational institution problem.”
As chief executive officer of land-based businesses, sustainability, the theme of the November Visit County Durham conference, is also high on his agenda.
“This is a big issue for us, be it soil management, afforestation, peatland restoration, promoting regenerative farming techniques, etc., and it has to be a higher priority for businesses in all sectors because our customers demand it.” It won’t work.”
For Duncan Peak, it’s about cherishing the past and making the most of the present, while envisioning a sustainable future where more people love Durham County.
work together for the benefit of all
SANDRA Whitefield is co-owner of the award-winning Low Urpeth Farm Self-Catering Cottages in Owston near Beamish.
“As Director of Visit County Durham, I believe in the importance of destination management organizations, especially when it comes to supporting small independent businesses.
“With the pandemic and ongoing cost of living crisis, this support is more important than ever.
“Visit County Durham is a partnership organization within Durham County Council, comprising tourism operations across the sector, including visitor attractions, hotels and restaurants.
“Approximately 30% of our partners operate self-contained cottages, hostels, inns, bed and breakfasts and guest houses, demonstrating the major role we play in the tourism economy in County Durham.
“We are all unique and this gives our visitors more choice.
“And while there is an element of competition, we are united by our desire to develop Durham County as a destination.
“At Visit County Durham, we work together for the benefit of all. We do this through national and international marketing campaigns, and by hosting training sessions and conferences on current affairs.
“We also connect businesses with skills and ingredients that are needed locally. to ensure that the money spent by will stay in County Durham.”
