Visit County Durham Ltd has announced the formal appointment of its new Chair, Duncan Peake from Raby Estates will take on the role having held the post of Interim Chair since last June.

Duncan has been on the board of directors at Visit County Durham for six years.

As an experienced chartered surveyor, land manager and rural business leader Duncan has played a key role in the leadership team since taking over from former Chair Ivor Stolliday.

Duncan joined Raby Estates as Chief Executive in 2017 after a successful track record developing some of the UK’s foremost landed estate businesses.

He is responsible for business operations across Raby landholdings in County Durham and the Midlands.

He is a passionate advocate for England’s historic and natural environment and the role that those who live and work on the land can contribute towards safeguarding that heritage.

As Durham’s destination management organisation (DMO) and Durham County Council’s tourism service, Visit County Durham plays a crucial role in developing and growing the county’s visitor economy, and supporting businesses.

Duncan will be supporting Visit County Durham to achieve its ambitious plans to promote positive economic and social development in County Durham through the successful delivery of Destination Management Plan priorities, that support the growth and impact of the visitor economy following its recent results which show the value of tourism hit £1.23b.

Michelle Gorman, managing director of Visit County Durham said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Duncan as Chair.

He has been a great support to the Visit County Durham board, team and tourism sector and we look forward to continuing to work with him.

As chief executive of Raby Estates, overseeing major developments at one of Durham’s biggest visitor attractions, Duncan is perfectly placed to take on the role.”

Duncan Peake, Chair Visit County Durham said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the role of Chair of Visit County Durham Ltd at such an exciting time for the county’s visitor economy which has grown significantly in recent years.

That growth has given businesses in our sector the confidence to invest which means County Durham now has an amazing tourism product.

The newly established North East Combined Authority also sees culture, tourism and sport as a key part of its economic development plans which will help us to attract even more investment into County Durham and the wider region.

I look forward to working with the VCD executive team, board colleagues and partners to ensure our sector continues to deliver more jobs, prosperity, and enjoyment for those living, working and visiting this wonderful county.”

Durham County Council holds the North East Combined Authority’s portfolio for culture, creative, tourism and sport championing the full potential of the North East.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships and Visit County Durham Ltd board director, said: “I am delighted that Duncan is taking on the role of Chair at Visit County Durham and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him to develop Durham’s visitor economy, which makes such a valuable contribution to the county’s economy.”

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