A LEADING tourism body has appointed a new managing director.

Visit County Durham has announced that Michelle Gorman will be its new permanent head, having held the position on an acting basis for the last eight months.

Ivor Stolliday, chair of the Visit County Durham Board, said: “The Board is absolutely delighted that Michelle has accepted the role of Managing Director.

“We wish her many congratulations. Michelle has done an excellent job over the last eight months and we are confident she will continue to lead VCD in the right direction.”

Ms Gorman, who has been at Visit County Durham since the body was set up in 2006, added: “This is an exciting time to be officially taking the reins at Visit County Durham with many initiatives underway, and many more on the horizon, to further develop the visitor economy, and I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with businesses across the county.”

Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration and culture, said: “Tourism is a major part of County Durham’s economy and we’re sure that Michelle will lead us to even further success, keeping our historic and beautiful county, and its many events and attractions, firmly on the world stage as a tourist destination.”