A POCKET-SIZED guidebook to Durham has been launched to encourage tourists to stay longer and spend more money in the region.

The Durham Pocket Guide 2010, produced by tourism agency Visit County Durham, was launched last week at Beamish Museum – the county’s flagship visitor attraction.

The guide, which profiles places to visit, eat and shop, promotes the county to an annual readership of 500,000 and is expected to provide a considerable boost to the regional economy.

Research into the impact of last year’s guidebook found that each copy encouraged people to spend an extra £13.95 in shops, restaurants, and on visiting attractions and entertainment in Durham.

Craig Wilson, marketing manager for Visit County Durham, said: "The pocket guide is great for tourists and great for business.

"With so many copies available across the county it plays a big part in persuading people to do more, spend more and stay longer."

Tourism is worth more than £4bn per year to North East England and Durham attracts almost 18m visitors annually to view its world class Cathedral City, dramatic coast and idyllic rural dales.

Richard Evans, director of Beamish Museum and a board member of Visit County Durham, said: "Holidaymakers visiting Durham for a relaxing retreat to a country cottage may not know that one of Britain’s favourite open air museums is just a short drive away.

This guidebook is so valuable in raising awareness of what the county has to offer and in persuading people to extend their stays here."

The guidebook targets people who have already arrived in the North-East and is available at Tourist Information Centres, at visitor attractions, shops, restaurants, libraries and is also posted through the doors of residents in the North East to encourage them to explore their region more.