Derbyshire tourism Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Destination Chesterfield

Visitors encouraged to ‘walk, taste and explore’ in campaign highlighting national trails

1st April 2021

From sleeping under the stars near the Pennine Way to following in the footsteps of Romans along Hadrian’s Wall Path, visitors are being encouraged to ‘walk, taste and explore’ on an English walking adventure as part of a new national campaign in preparation for when it’s safe to travel again.

At a time when health, wellbeing and enjoying the great outdoors are a top priority, the Discover England’s Great Walking Trails project aims to shine a light on the benefits of taking a short break near seven of England’s long-distance National Trails.

Through a collection of inspirational itineraries hosted on the National Trails website, visitors of all ages and abilities can discover the delights of destination-based walking holidays near the Pennine Way, South West Coast Path, North Downs Way, Hadrian’s Wall Path, Norfolk Coast Path, Cleveland Way and Cotswold Way.

Alongside world-class walks and fine food and drink, each itinerary showcases the diverse range of experiences available near each route ranging from wildlife-watching and cycling tours to pottery-making and paddle-boarding.

Highlights include hopping between stately homes and seaside towns on the Norfolk Coast Path; discovering James Herriot heritage and Michelin-star restaurants on the Cleveland Way; taking a two-wheeled tour of ancient Canterbury and the Kent coast on the North Downs Way; and discovering literary legacies and country pubs on the Cotswold Way.

The project is coordinated by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and supported by the Discover England Fund.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “There’s never been a better time to reconnect with the great outdoors and as we all look forward to travelling again, this new collection of itineraries provides a flavour of the year-round adventures that await visitors on a walking holiday in England.

“Exploring some of England’s most beautiful rural and coastal locations, National Trails offer something for everyone and provide the perfect backdrop for a short break. You can take an easy stroll or challenging hike, enjoy the brilliant benefits of walking and uncover unique experiences; from hands-on activities and impressive sites to fabulous food and drink and cosy places to stay.

“Through the Discover England’s Great Walking Trails project, we hope visitors will be inspired to take a fresh look at the incredible tourism offer right here on our doorstep and discover the sheer variety of things to see and do on a staycation near our stunning National Trails.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back to England to explore our Great Walking Trails once restrictions lift and we can travel again.

“Now in its fifth year the Discover England Fund is all about embedding our fantastic tourism products and reaching new audiences to drive future visitor growth and boost local economies.”

The full collection of itineraries will be available on the National Trails website from early April at nationaltrail.co.uk.

Derbyshire tourism businesses invited to apply for international travel trade showcase

29th March 2021

Tourism businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire are invited to apply for a place at a virtual event aimed at showcasing the best of the destination to travel trade buyers from around the world.

The Peak District & Derbyshire International Travel Trade Showcase, from 26-28 April 2021, will provide the unique opportunity for local attractions, accommodation, activity and experience providers to meet online with national and international tour operators, event organisers and travel buyers.

Businesses are urged to apply for a limited number of fully-funded places at the event, which is being organised by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire in partnership with Tapir Ltd, with support from the tourist board’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project.

Businesses can apply for a place at: https://mpdd-virtual-travel-trade-register-your-interest.eventbrite.co.uk

Applications close at 12 noon on 6 April 2021. Successful businesses will be notified on 9 April 2021.

Each successful business will be provided with their own ‘virtual stand’ at the showcase, displaying photographs, information and contact details as well as downloadable leaflets to promote their business to buyers from around the world.

Prior to the event, travel trade representatives will be invited to register their interest and make virtual ‘face-to-face’ appointments with local businesses to discuss working together.

The event is the first of its kind in the area and follows Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s recent attendance at ExploreGB, VisitBritain’s flagship travel trade event, as part of the tourist board’s plans to welcome international visitors back from 2022.

Inbound tourism was worth more than £28 billion to the UK economy in 2019.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “As the travel industry gradually works towards recovery, our International Travel Trade Showcase will provide a great platform for tourism businesses to promote their outstanding products and services to a global audience.

“As well as helping businesses form valuable connections with national and international buyers, the event will highlight the broad appeal of the Peak District and Derbyshire, ensuring the destination is front of mind for when travel can safely resume again.

“This is a fantastic, fully-funded opportunity thanks to support from our ERDF project and as places are limited, we urge businesses to register their interest as soon as possible.”

Paul Kleian of Tapir Ltd says: “We’re delighted to bring this virtual event to the Peak District and Derbyshire, providing the chance for local businesses and overseas travel trade companies to safely meet across borders and different time zones.

“A similar event held in the Lake District earlier this year attracted over 200 travel trade buyers, proving that the appetite for events like this is strong. Feedback has been extremely positive and many travel trade buyers commented that a destination-focused approach means they get a great feel for the area.

“We look forward to promoting the Peak District and Derbyshire on a global scale and encourage businesses to register their interest for a place today.”