Peak District

Local leaders shine spotlight on sustainable transport for English Tourism Week

Robert Largan, Member of Parliament for High Peak, has joined Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire (MPDD) together with local leaders to shine a spotlight on sustainable transport for English Tourism Week (22-31 May 2021).

Mr Largan MP joined Jo Dilley, Managing Director of MPDD; Andrew McCloy, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority; John Young, Commercial Director of Stagecoach; Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Chair of MPDD; and John Harrison of Speedwell Cavern to highlight the Peak District’s new Hope Valley Explorer bus service – and to promote green travel across the county.

Following a successful pilot in 2019, the Stagecoach-operated bus will run from 23 July to 3 October 2021, offering a hop on hop off service in the Hope Valley. Visitors are encouraged to leave the car behind, take the train from Sheffield or Manchester and join the Hope Valley Explorer at Hope or Bamford – or hop aboard direct from Chesterfield or Dronfield.

Attractions on route include the Peak District’s dramatic Upper Derwent Valley and the fascinating cave networks at Castleton, providing a great chance for visitors to travel by public transport whilst supporting the recovery of local businesses.

In a bid to further boost car-free visits, a series of extended bus services has been announced by Derbyshire County Council for summer 2021, including new hourly Sunday services on routes connecting Derby and Ashbourne; Matlock and Chatsworth; Sheffield, Castleton and Buxton; and Chesterfield and Bakewell. Some of the services also connect with trains at Buxton, Chesterfield and Matlock stations.

The news follows the launch of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s 5-year Tourism Rescue & Rebuilding Plan, which highlights the destination’s aims to lead the way in sustainable tourism, active travel and transport connectivity.

Led by VisitEngland, the annual English Tourism Week campaign – which this year uses the slogan ‘Here for Tourism’ – highlights the importance and vast contribution the sector makes to the UK economy. In 2019, tourism was worth £2.5 billion to the Peak District & Derbyshire economy, supporting 32,000 local jobs.

Details of the Hope Valley Explorer Bus and public transport across Derbyshire can be found at: visitpeakdistrict.com/getting-here.

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, said: “Tourism and hospitality are absolutely vital to our local economy in the Peak District and it’s fantastic to see so many great public transport options available to visitors this summer.

“English Tourism Week is an ideal time to recognise not just the value of the tourism sector, but also the key role it can play in levelling up the UK’s economy, and sustainable tourism will play a huge role in the industry’s future success.”

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “English Tourism Week is a fantastic time to shine a light on sustainable tourism and the role it can play, not just in the sector’s recovery, but in improving public transport links for all those who live, work and visit here.

“Assets like the Hope Valley Explorer offer a great way to enjoy green travel in the Peak District & Derbyshire, whilst supporting the recovery of local businesses, and when used alongside the area’s many fantastic rail links can make for an enjoyable and hassle-free day out.

“Our 5-year Tourism Rescue & Rebuilding Plan maps out the new long-term vision for the sector and sustainable transport will be a key driver of recovery and growth. We’re encouraging visitors to explore as many car-free options as possible this summer and to enjoy a great, green day out in the Peak District & Derbyshire.”

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council said: “I’m delighted that we are able to provide more bus services into the Peak District on Sundays for the coming summer season. These services will benefit local people and will also link with rail services at Chesterfield, Buxton and Matlock for those coming from outside the county.

“By increasing the services on offer we hope that those without a car can visit the countryside more easily, and that more people will decide to take the bus rather than drive. Having increased services also opens up the possibilities of walkers being able to use them to link up with their walks, opening up additional possibilities for local people and those who come from further afield. Derbyshire is now well and truly open for business.”

Andrew McCloy, Chair of the Peak District National Park Authority said: “We’re delighted to be working again with operators Stagecoach during summer 2021 to bring the Hope Valley Explorer service back to some of most scenic parts of the National Park. It can drop you at the start of a walk, take you to the heart of a picturesque village, or you can simply stay on for a relaxed tour of the valley in the company of a knowledgeable and friendly driver and the fascinating on-board commentary.

“More than anything, you will be helping to lessen the impact of cars on this sensitive location, reducing congestion and pollution and helping us develop more sustainable travel choices for everyone to enjoy.”

“We all need to think about the long-term effect of how we get to and around the National Park and the impact on local communities, our health and fitness, and ultimately the climate. The Hope Valley Explorer shows that there is an alternative to the car that is every bit as attractive and accessible.”

Phil Medlicott, Managing Director, Stagecoach Yorkshire said: “We are delighted to support the return of the Hope Valley Explorer service, working in partnership with the Peak District National Park, which opens up a beautiful part of the countryside for people to enjoy in a sustainable way.

“This service is a great example of partnership working to encourage people onto public transport through connecting with local rail journeys. As the country moves forward and people look to take short breaks or adventures closer to home this year, it’s important that buses play a key role in supporting this and moving towards a greener and cleaner future for travel.”

Sir Richard FitzHerbert, Chair of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire said: “The Peak District & Derbyshire has so much to offer visitors and these great public transport services provide even more reasons to explore this summer – without the need for a car.

“From stately homes such as Chatsworth and Haddon to the caves of Speedwell Cavern and Treak Cliff near the wonderful village of Castleton, so many areas are easily accessible by public transport. After the past year, it has never more important to visit and support local businesses and we look forward to welcoming visitors back for a bumper season.”

Throughout English Tourism Week, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is also celebrating other methods of green travel with a dedicated Cycle Week across its social and digital channels.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Rescue & Rebuilding Plan can be found at: visitpeakdistrict.com/industry/about-us/rescue-and-rebuilding-plan

Posted in Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

‘Escape the everyday’ campaign launched in Derbyshire to boost holiday bookings

The county’s official tourist board, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has launched a new ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, supported by funding from VisitEngland, to help local tourism and hospitality businesses recover from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Visitors are being encouraged to Escape the Everyday on a unique range of bookable experiences in the area as part of the £70,000 campaign, which aims to support the sector’s recovery by promoting short breaks and boosting visitor spend.

The campaign has kicked off with a short video and branded content across social media, digital display and radio advertising. The content also drives online ‘traffic’ to visitpeakdistrict.com/escape-the-everyday, where visitors can book a range of activities and experiences across the Peak District & Derbyshire.

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has worked with local tourism businesses to create engaging content for the campaign centred around the themes of ‘Discovery’, ‘Freedom to Explore’ and ‘Treat Yourself’.

Experiences include walking with alpacas, feeding lemurs at a local wildlife park, foraging for wild ingredients on a fine dining experience, short breaks at luxury spa hotels and enjoying a rock-climbing taster day in the Peak District National Park.

The campaign will target pre-school families and young couples and is funded by the VisitEngland Destination Management Organisations’ Recovery Marketing Fund, which supports recovery during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “We’re delighted to launch our Escape the Everyday campaign to encourage visitors to book their holidays and experiences here in the Peak District & Derbyshire.

“We have an outstanding year-round tourism offer and we hope this campaign will inspire people to explore and discover all that we have to offer, following official guidance, whilst helping our £2.3 billion tourism industry to recover.

“From foraging and fine dining to e-bike experiences, there is so much to enjoy right across the Peak District & Derbyshire and now is the perfect time to escape the everyday and support local businesses on a short break.”

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:“Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism right across the country and the industry needs all of us to make sure it gets back on its feet. It is great to see the activity that Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire will be delivering locally, with support from VisitEngland funding and aligning with our national ‘Escape the Everyday’ campaign, to encourage more people to get out and discover the outstanding destinations and quality attractions here on our doorstep and to drive bookings.

“It will also support local businesses who have been working so hard to welcome visitors back safely, adapting and innovating to meet new ways of working and still providing a great visitor experience.”

Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

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

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.

Posted in Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , ,

Derbyshire tourism businesses invited to apply for international travel trade showcase

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.”

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More partners announced for The Gateway at PEAK

Mixed-use developer Milligan has appointed further specialist partners to collaborate on the Gateway at PEAK, the UK’s first national park gateway, consented on the eastern boundary of the Peak District in Chesterfield.

Architects Stanton Williams, technology specialists RDS Global, operations consultant DN Consultancy and landscape architects Gillespies, have all been appointed by the Milligan development team.

In July 2020, Milligan formed a unique working group of local stakeholders on the development of Gateway at Peak, part of PEAK Resort.

Since then, the vision for a sustainable hub, welcoming visitors to the Peaks, providing food and accommodation, retail opportunities and environmentally friendly options for onward travel into the park, has been taking shape. The latest partner appointments are an exciting milestone in the progress of the development.

Milligan has a long history of collaboration with Stanton Williams, an award-winning practice well positioned to realise the sustainable and Net Zero Carbon objectives of the Gateway thanks to experience on similar projects and its own Carbon Neutral Zero Plus accreditation.

RDS Global will work alongside the Milligan team to plan and manage the project’s IT platform, deploying its new technology – BlackBox. The RDS BlackBox can consolidate multiple datapoints and communication forms which will power real time, actionable data to enrich customer experience and track energy metrics to support the development’s sustainable goals.

David Norris of DN Consultancy will orchestrate the management and operational strategies and prescribe the environmental, social and governance factors across the Gateway at PEAK.

Also appointed to the team, is award-winning landscape architecture practice, Gillespies who have been leading landscape and public realm design for over 50 years. Utilising strong design principles and an understanding of the natural landscape and environmental context, Gillespies will work with Milligan to deliver transformative planning and design, unlocking the potential of the Gateway at PEAK, to create an inspirational space with a clear-cut purpose, to make people’s lives measurably better.

Melanie Taylor, director of leasing and commerce at Milligan said: “Our work on the Gateway at PEAK has reached a new phase. Landowner Birchall Properties and the regional stakeholders have entrusted us to find and manage specialist partners who are going to bring expertise and value to this unique project. The Gateway is going to be an exciting destination for all types of visitors, each looking for something different from their visit to the Peaks.

“We’re confident that having Stanton Williams, RDS Global, David Norris and Gillespies around the table, we’ll be pushing boundaries and delivering ground-breaking and creative ideas that surprise and delight those visitors. The project will also support the local community through jobs and collaboration and preserve the natural beauty of the park with considerate construction, rewilding and education.”

The Gateway at PEAK is part of the 300-acre PEAK Resort, where the development of an all-weather, all-year, all-ages Summit at PEAK, is already underway, with an opening planned in Autumn 2021. PEAK Resort also has planning permission for up to 2,000 hotel rooms and 250 lodges as well as a whole range of leisure, education and entertainment facilities, attracting investment and creating employment opportunities.

You can find out more about the PEAK development here: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/developments/peak-resort/

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Peak Edge Hotel opens new ‘orangery’

The Peak Edge Hotel, a family owned 4-star, modern boutique hotel nestled on the edge of Derbyshire’s Peak District National Park is set to open its new orangery extension in Spring 2021.

Renowned as one of the region’s leading wedding venues, The Peak Edge Hotel will be able to accommodate larger weddings, as well as providing more flexibility for all events. It enjoys its own dedicated bar area and boasts breath taking views over the hotel lake and Peak District National Park.

Combining historic style with modern facilities, including air conditioning, acoustically lined walls and disabled access, this purpose-built space can accommodate up to 200 guests for weddings, events, and celebrations.

Steve Perez, owner and chairman of Casa Hotel, The Peak Edge Hotel and Global Brands said: “Despite the global pandemic the government’s restrictions causing devastating effects on this industry and people’s livelihoods, we continue to strive and invest in The Peak Edge Hotel.

“We believe it is important to continuously improve our property to ensure we continue to offer the best venue, and award-winning experience.

“We cannot wait to welcome brides, grooms, guests, diners and residents back to The Peak Edge Hotel in the very near future.”

Boasting floor to ceiling windows, contrasting with stunning oak beams giving a wide view over the hotel’s lawns, the Orangery is especially opulent with leather upholstery, oak beam bar and open fireplace enhancing the period features and superb light quality of the room.

The popular luxury boutique hotel offers 27 bedrooms, and all boast stunning views over the Derbyshire Countryside, yet you are only a few miles from all major road networks. Historic Haddon Hall, Chatsworth House, the market towns of Chesterfield, Bakewell & Matlock are all on the hotel’s doorstep.

The Peak Edge Hotel supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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

Leading industry figures to attend Peak District & Derbyshire tourism conference

Tourism, hospitality and leisure businesses across the Peak District and Derbyshire are invited to attend Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s Annual Tourism Conference on Thursday 5 November 2020.

The fully-funded virtual event will bring together leading industry figures from across Derbyshire and beyond including keynote speakers Tourism Minister, Nigel Huddleston MP and Simon Calder, Senior Travel Editor of The Independent.

Delegates will gain valuable insights from Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council; Brendan Moffett, Director of the Centre for Contemporary Hospitality and Tourism at the University of Derby; national tourist body VisitEngland; and Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

As businesses continue to weather the ongoing coronavirus crisis, the conference will shine a light on the biggest issues impacting tourism, the latest consumer trends and the work being done to secure the industry’s long-term future – with plenty of opportunity for engagement and questions.

Delegates are invited to register for a fully-funded place at the event, which is supported by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project.

Register for the Peak District & Derbyshire Annual Tourism Conference (10.30-13:00) using the following link: http://ow.ly/4Y8N50BT7if

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “We’re delighted to invite delegates to join us at our Annual Tourism Conference which is supported by our ERDF project. As the industry continues to face some of its biggest-ever challenges, now more than ever it is critical that we all work together to ensure our collective voice is heard.

“In the presence of leading industry experts and key national figures, the conference will provide a great opportunity for businesses to raise the issues that matter to them most, to gain useful insights into local and national trends, and to learn about the critical plans to support the sector’s recovery.”

Tourism is usually worth £2.3 billion to the Peak District & Derbyshire economy, supporting over 30,000 jobs and boosting growth.

Posted in Business, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , ,

Derbyshire businesses invited to exhibit at virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas market

Derbyshire-based producers, artisans and craftspeople are invited to exhibit and sell their wares at a virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market organised by the area’s official tourist board.

The free online market, set to launch in early November, will showcase the fantastic variety of quality products made in the area, providing local businesses with the chance to reach thousands of potential customers in the run up to Christmas.

Prospective stallholders are invited to apply for a virtual place at the Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market, which will be hosted at www.visitpeakdistrict.com and is part financially supported by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project.

The opportunity is open to small-to-medium-sized businesses based in Derby and Derbyshire – ranging from food and drink producers to artists, photographers and craftspeople.

It is also open to Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire members who offer vouchers for afternoon teas, meals, short stays, annual passes, workshops and experiences, with a focus on products that make great Christmas presents.

Successful applicants will be featured on an inspirational new Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market webpage, where hyperlinks and imagery will lead to the stallholder’s own selling platform – allowing visitors to browse and purchase fine, festive gifts with ease.

The market aims to boost businesses who have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions by driving online sales whilst celebrating the range of unique products available in the area.

Posted in Business, Christmas, HomeTagged in , , , ,

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