MPDD

Derbyshire Tourism Conference highlights ‘positive future’ for the visitor economy

“Despite unprecedented challenges, the future of tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire remains positive” – that’s the overriding message from the annual Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Conference which took place on Thursday 6th October at Peak Edge Hotel in Chesterfield.

Hosted by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the event welcomed over 120 attendees from across the tourism and hospitality sectors for the first ‘in person’ conference since the pandemic.

It brought together leading industry figures and expert speakers to deliver insights, advice and inspiration covering major topics including the cost-of-living crisis, recruitment challenges, emerging tourism trends and new opportunities for growth.

The keynote speech was delivered by Patricia Yates, CEO of national tourist body VisitBritain/VisitEngland, who visited local businesses including The Heights of Abraham, Chatsworth and Treak Cliff Cavern ahead of the conference to shine a spotlight on the area’s outstanding tourism offer and discuss how the sector can work together to drive economic growth.

VisitBritain/VisitEngland CEO Patricia Yates said: “It’s been fantastic to be in beautiful Derbyshire and the Peak District, visiting tourism businesses and attractions and seeing first-hand the wonderful experiences on offer. It has been invaluable to listen and talk to local businesses about how we can work together to drive economic growth, and to have the opportunity to highlight our work to support the industry’s recovery.

“Tourism is an industry that can deliver growth like no other and it’s been great to see the activity Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is delivering, working with businesses and key stakeholders to attract domestic and overseas visits, driving the visitor economy.”

Opening the conference, Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, emphasised the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting the sector’s recovery and its work to secure the long-term future of the industry by increasing overnight stays, extending the traditional tourism season and boosting visitor spend.

In line with its ambition to position the area as a world-class visitor destination, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire announced it will be launching a new marketing campaign later this year – promoting the area’s ‘distinctive and diverse visitor offer’ – together with an innovative new website for www.visitpeakdistrict.com that will help visitors plan and book trips according to accessibility and sustainability requirements.

Updates from Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire also focused on recent successes, including:

  • The value of tourism to the area’s economy – £1.96 billion in 2021, achieving 79% of 2019 levels against a target of 70% (2021 STEAM data)
  • The creation of a Sustainable Tourism Plan, produced in partnership with the Peak District National Park Authority and The National Forest, which aims to position the destination as a beacon for sustainable tourism and active travel
  • The success of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Accessibility Champions programme, which has so far helped over 30 tourism businesses achieve ‘Accessibility Champion’ status
  • The achievements of the European Regional Development Fund supported Growing and Developing the Visitor Economy within Derbyshire project, which has helped over 800 visitor economy business to boost their growth, skills and profitability since 2017
  • Ever-increasing visits to www.visitpeakdistrict.com (2.7 million sessions and 2.1 million users between September 2021 and September 2022) and a combined social media following of more than 200,000
  • Against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis, the event covered the challenges facing the area’s visitor economy as well as the support available for local businesses. Scott Knowles, Chief Executive of East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), revealed that ‘inflation’ and ‘access to skilled labour’ are currently the biggest concerns for businesses in the region.

Looking to the future, Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, discussed the East Midlands devolution deal which will see Derbyshire, Derby, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham come together to pioneer a new East Midlands Mayoral Combined County Authority. The deal will see £1.14 billion come to the region over 30 years – creating ‘more and better jobs through greater investment in the area, with increased economic growth, better transport, housing, skills training and an enhanced greener environment’.

Delegates also heard from Jenny Lowthrop about the vital work of the Peak District National Park Foundation in protecting and safeguarding Britain’s original National Park, which attracts thousands of visits to the area each year; whilst Miles Watkins of the Institute of Quarrying shared their exciting vision to create an internationally significant visitor experience and Centre of Excellence for the quarrying industry at the National Stone Centre in Wirksworth.

Emerging trends – and how tourism businesses can harness them – were a key focus of the conference and Paul Ince of LikeMind Media Ltd gave delegates a valuable insight into how best to use short videos on social media platforms such as TikTok to help their businesses stand out from the crowd.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Conference was funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund project.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Tickets now on sale for spectacular ‘Shine a Light’ events in Chesterfield

Summer may just be getting into full swing but people are urged to book ahead for a series of spectacular large-scale projections that will light up Derbyshire landmarks with a unique fusion of music, visuals and sound this autumn/winter.

Tickets are now on sale for a series of magical night-time displays that will be projected on to four heritage venues when Shine A Light returns for the second year from September 2022 to February 2023.

The large-scale projections taking place in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire include Barrow Hill Roundhouse and the National Trust’s Hardwick Hall.

Events will also take place at Cromford Mills in Matlock and Derby’s Elvaston Castle.

Providing an after-dark experience for the whole family, the events will bring together awe-inspiring animations and live musical performances in stunning audio-visual displays centred around the themes of climate change and water.

The cutting-edge projections are unique to each venue and visitors who watch all four displays – and successfully spot the ‘hidden animal’ at each – will have the fantastic opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a hamper of local produce.

In addition to the large-scale projections, visitors will also be able to enjoy entertainment and food and drink throughout each evening for a fun-filled experience to remember.

Delivered by internationally-renowned Derbyshire-born video projection artists Illuminos, Shine A Light is designed to celebrate Derbyshire’s rich history and heritage, extend the tourism season and boost the visitor economy in the wake of the pandemic.

The events have been commissioned by Derbyshire County Council following a successful pilot in 2021 when Shine A Light displays held at Chatsworth and Cromford Mills were enjoyed by more than 3,200 visitors.

Each event culminates in a large-scale projection every 20 minutes throughout each evening at:

  • Barrow Hill Roundhouse, the last surviving railway roundhouse in the United Kingdom with an operational turntable, on Thursday 8 December and Friday 9 December from 17:00
  • Hardwick Hall, an Elizabethan country house built by Bess of Hardwick in the 1500s, owned by the National Trust, on Friday 17 February and Saturday 18 February from 17:30
  • Cromford Mills, home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex, in the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, on Thursday 27 October and Friday 28 October from 18:30
  • Elvaston Castle, a Gothic Revival castle and surrounding parkland, run by Derbyshire County Council, on Saturday 19 November and Sunday 20 November from 17:30

Tickets for the large-scale projections are £9 for adults and £6 per child (aged 4-16 inclusive, free for 3 and under).

For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/shine-a-light

Follow #ShineALightDerbyshire on social media.

Shine A Light projections in February 2023

Derbyshire County Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change Councillor Barry Lewis said: “We’re tremendously proud of what we achieved with Shine A Light last year and looking forward to a bigger and better programme this year with more venues added, each with their own story to tell as part of this spectacular ‘anthology’.

“With the visitor economy still feeling the after-effects of the pandemic, it’s vital that we support its recovery in Derbyshire and we’re proud to be able to help support these unique experiences which will provide excellent entertainment for tourists and residents alike.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Derbyshire is fortunate to have some of the world’s most significant heritage attractions and this year’s Shine A Light programme promises to be even bigger and better, providing magical after-dark entertainment for both visitors and residents alike.

“Each venue has its own story to tell and not only do these large-scale projections bring local history and their communities to life, they also offer the perfect opportunity to do something different with friends and family as the nights draw in.

“We urge people to book their tickets as soon as possible and to enjoy not just one, but multiple shows for an unforgettable experience to remember. Events like this are so important as they help to protect and preserve historical and cultural sites – and will continue to stimulate community initiatives in the future.”

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

barrowhill shine a light on derbyshire 2022

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Derbyshire’s visitor economy receives £500,000 boost from community renewal fund

The area’s official destination management organisation has secured £500,000 to boost jobs, encourage growth and support the recovery of visitor economy businesses in the Peak District and Derbyshire following a successful bid to the Government’s Community Renewal Fund.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, working in partnership with East Midlands Chamber, the University of Derby, The Food and Drink Forum and Nottingham Business Venture, has been awarded a share of an overall project totalling £1.47 million that will run until 30 June 2022.

Investment in low carbon solutions, business growth, employment, training and digital skills are amongst the key aims of the project, which is set to create jobs and breathe new life into local communities as part of the Government’s commitment to levelling-up the nation and achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Financial support for businesses will include growth vouchers and start-up grants of up to £2,000, plus flexible grant funding of up to £8,000 to help businesses access green solutions, adopt digital technology and receive specialist training.

Activity for the project will be delivered under five key strands, known as ‘Accelerators’, with Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire delivering the support for visitor economy businesses.

The five ‘Accelerators’ in the project are as follows:

• Race to Zero Carbon Accelerator to encourage investment in net zero business practices and to offer financial support for ‘clean growth’ such as the implementation of carbon reduction plans.
• Digital Transformation Accelerator to help businesses implement e-commerce solutions and become online bookable. This will also include collaborative pilots for the cultural and heritage sector to access technology solutions, develop town-based festivals and drive market town footfall.
• Start Up to Scale Up Accelerator to deliver mentoring to help start-ups launch a business idea and grants of up to £2,000 to launch a new business or product.
• The Kickstart Accelerator to deliver training and mentoring support to improve job retention, as well as a wage subsidy to convert a Kickstart or Graduate placement into a new sustained job.
• The Financial Accelerator to offer flexible grant funding of up to £8,000 to help businesses fund digital adoption, carbon reduction solutions and specialist training. Growth vouchers of up to £2,000 will be available for consultancy advice to support business growth and a wage subsidy will be available to support Kickstart or Graduate job retention.

The project also includes feasibility studies into the development of two apps, including a visitor app that would provide real-time data on visitor behaviour, and a transport planning app that would align bus and rail routes to popular destinations in the area.

More information on the Community Renewal Fund project, including the grants programme, can be found at: visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/community-renewal-fund

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted that our Community Renewal Fund bid has been successful, creating a host of new opportunities to drive the post-Covid recovery and long-term growth of visitor economy businesses in the Peak District and Derbyshire

“As highlighted in our Tourism Recovery Plan, our ambition is to become a leading destination in sustainable tourism and this, alongside our ongoing commitment to boosting jobs, skills and growth, clearly aligns with the Government’s aims for the Community Renewal Fund.

“We look forward to working alongside our partners and hope this project will pave the way for future funding to ensure visitor economy businesses can not only survive, but thrive, as we embark on the road to recovery.”

Diane Beresford, Deputy Chief Executive and Community Renewal Fund lead at East Midlands Chamber, said: “The East Midlands Accelerator project will look at what the needs are locally and seek to address them with targeted, bespoke support that brings together key stakeholders across the region – with each strand connected by the golden thread of acceleration.

“We strongly believe these schemes, which will enhance the existing support out there, will have a transformative impact for so many businesses and individuals in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

“This area is a hive of entrepreneurship and we’re looking forward to assisting people to get great ideas off the ground and then scaling them up, while for more established businesses we can help them navigate their net zero and digital transformation journeys.

“We’re also excited about building on our success in the Kickstart Scheme, having been the UK’s largest and most successful gateway organisation in supporting businesses to create more than 1,800 placements in our region.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, East Midlands Chamber, and the University of Derby support the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield businesses named amongst nominees for local tourism awards

Some of the most inspirational tourism businesses in the area will be showcased at the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards, presented at Casa Hotel in Chesterfield on the evening of Thursday 3rd March 2022.

Tickets are now on sale for the glittering awards ceremony which will include a drinks reception and three-course formal dinner in the stylish surroundings of the premier four-star hotel.

Organised for the second year by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, with support from the European Regional Development Fund, the 2022 awards will celebrate the success and resilience of tourism businesses whilst also highlighting the sector’s vital contribution to the local economy.

Finalists have been shortlisted in 15 categories celebrating the best of the visitor economy, from attractions and accommodation providers to unique experiences and great places to eat and drink.

In recognition of the challenges faced by businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, two new core categories have been added for 2022: the ‘Unsung Hero Award’ and the ‘Resilience and Innovation Award’.

Two new local awards – ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Tourism Young Achiever’ – have also been added to recognise the thousands of jobs supported by tourism across the Peak District & Derbyshire.

At the awards evening, all Gold winners will be presented with a luxury award designed and made by Derbyshire-based C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, whilst Silver and Bronze winners will each receive a certificate identifying them as one of the best tourism businesses in the area.

In a further boost, Gold winners in each of the 13 core categories will automatically progress onto the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2022, which represent the highest accolades in English tourism.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “Tourism plays a vital role in making the Peak District and Derbyshire such a great place to live, work and visit, and following the enormous challenges of the past two years, never has the sector been more deserving of recognition.

“We hope you’ll join us in celebrating and paying tribute to some of the passionate individuals and inspirational businesses who help attract and welcome millions of visitors to the destination annually, bringing greater prosperity to the area each year. We look forward to seeing you there!”

Tickets are priced at £65 plus VAT and include a drinks reception and formal three-course dinner. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire on 01246 212924, or by emailing industry@marketingpdd.com.

Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards: The 2022 Shortlist

Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award

  • Croft Bungalow Accessible Holiday Let, Birchover

B&B and Guest House of the Year

  • Grendon Bed & Breakfast, Buxton
  • Sheldon House, Monyash

Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year

  • Landal Sandybrook, Ashbourne
  • Boutique Camping at Scaldersitch Farm, Sheen
  • Beech Croft Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Taddington

Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award

  • Landal Darwin Forest, Matlock
  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall
  • Pure Outdoor Ltd

Experience of the Year

  • Drive Dad’s Car, Great British Car Journey
  • myGuidedWalks
  • Pure Outdoor Ltd

Hotel of the Year

  • Casa Hotel, Chesterfield
  • Rafters at Riverside House, Ashford-in-the-Water
  • The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow

New Tourism Business Award

  • Country Luxe Derbyshire
  • Great British Car Journey, Ambergate
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon

Pub of the Year

  • The Prince of Wales, Baslow
  • The Devonshire Arms, Pilsley
  • The Yorkshire Bridge Inn, Bamford

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year

  • Stainsborough Hall, near Wirksworth
  • Manor House Farm Cottages, Sheldon
  • Oaker Farm Holidays, Hope

Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award

  • The George, Alstonefield
  • The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow
  • Fischer’s Baslow Hall

Visitor Attraction of the Year

  • Bluebell Dairy Ltd, Spondon
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

Resilience & Innovation Award

  • White Peak Distillery, Ambergate
  • Matlock Farm Park, Matlock
  • Treak Cliff Cavern, Castleton

Tourism Young Achiever Award

  • Jack Boam, Tagg Lane Dairy
  • Luke Henshaw, Great British Car Journey
  • George Finlay, Matlock Farm Park

Team of the Year Award

  • Pinelodge Holidays Ltd
  • Rafters at Riverside House
  • The Welcome Team Ltd

Unsung Hero Award

  • Rob Hattersley, Longbow Bars & Restaurants
  • John Whelan, Rafters at Riverside House

For more details see: visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

Chesterfield Businesses encouraged to apply for Peak District & Derbyshire tourism awards

Applications are now open for the 2022 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards, offering tourism and hospitality businesses the fantastic opportunity to achieve local and national recognition.

Now in their second year, the awards celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement in the area’s tourism sector, shining a spotlight on deserving businesses and individuals across the Peak District and Derbyshire.

There are 15 categories in total covering different aspects of the visitor economy, from B&Bs, hotels and campsites to attractions, experiences and delicious local food and drink.

Applications for the 2022 awards are open until 19th September 2021 and finalists will be named in October. Winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony in early 2022, with Gold winners in the 13 core categories progressing on to the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence for the chance to achieve national glory.

2022 Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Award Categories:

  • B&B and Guest House of the Year
  • Hotel of the Year
  • Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
  • Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
  • Visitor Attraction of the Year
  • Pub of the Year
  • Experience of the Year
  • New Tourism Business of the Year
  • Taste of the Peak District & Derbyshire Award
  • Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
  • Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Resilience and Innovation Award
  • Team of the Year Award (Local Award)
  • Tourism Young Achiever Award (Local Award)

Details of all categories and how to apply are available at: www.visitpeakdistrict.com/tourism-awards

In recognition of the exceptional work undertaken by the sector during the Covid-19 pandemic, two new core categories have been added for the 2022 awards: the Unsung Hero Award and the Resilience and Innovation Award.

Two new local categories – Team of the Year and Tourism Young Achiever – have also been introduced to celebrate the thousands of people employed by the tourism industry in the Peak District and Derbyshire.

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are run by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire with support from the European Regional Development Fund and C W Sellors Fine Jewellery & Luxury Watches, who will be designing and handcrafting luxury bespoke awards for all Gold winners.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “After a difficult year for the industry, the Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards offer a timely opportunity to recognise the area’s many innovative and resilient tourism businesses, and the passionate people behind them.

“These awards are a celebration of the tourism sector and the huge contribution it makes to the Peak District & Derbyshire’s economy. They are also a fantastic chance for businesses to recognise the hard work of their teams, and entering these local awards is the only way to qualify for the national VisitEngland awards. We urge everyone to get their applications in as soon as possible!”

The Peak District & Derbyshire Tourism Awards are free to enter for current members of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire. Non-members can enter at a fee of £150 plus VAT per category. Entrants must be based in Derbyshire or within the Peak District National Park boundary, and must be part of the visitor economy.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , ,

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