Peak District & Derbyshire tourist board launches campaign to inspire staycations
From award-winning attractions to cosy places to stay, some of the best reasons to book a staycation in the Peak District and Derbyshire this autumn and winter are showcased in a new campaign video released by the area’s official tourist board.
Highlighting 2020 as the ‘year of the Great British staycation’, the video uses clips submitted by local tourism and hospitality providers – including Cllr Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council – to shine a spotlight on the area’s vibrant tourism offer in a bid to extend the season and drive domestic visits to the area.
Visitors are encouraged to ‘escape, explore and enjoy new experiences’ in the Peak District and Derbyshire by discovering beautiful countryside, fun days out, unique things to do, charming market towns and delicious local produce.
The video marks the second phase of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s “Time to…” marketing campaign, designed to help tourism and hospitality businesses weather the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
To support the recovery of the sector, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is also distributing 50,000 Support Local Attractions Maps which will be available at local tourist information centres, accommodation providers, pubs and restaurants from September onwards.
The map, which is funded by the tourist board’s European Regional Development Fund project, encourages visitors and residents alike to enjoy the full range of things to see and do in the area, with a major focus on supporting local businesses and increasing visitor spend.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Local businesses have worked incredibly hard since lockdown to ensure the safest possible return for visitors by putting all the right measures in place, but the next few months are going to be critical for the industry’s longer-term survival.
“The Peak District and Derbyshire has so much to offer in autumn and winter and planning a staycation and discovering the sheer quality and diversity of what’s on the doorstep will help to extend the holiday season and support our valuable visitor economy.
“Our staycations campaign, together with our Support Local Attractions Map, aims to inspire both visitors and residents alike to enjoy the area’s vibrant tourism offer whilst supporting local businesses.
“Whilst we continue to welcome visitors, our main message is still one of safety and visitors can help by continuing to respect the area and local communities, by maintaining their social distancing and by following all of the latest government guidelines in place.”
Together with inspirational imagery, the campaign incorporates a ‘Time to Plan Ahead’ tagline which urges people to check for restrictions and to support local attractions and experience providers by booking tickets in advance.
The tourist board is also encouraging visitors to follow its ‘Respect, Protect, Enjoy’ visitor charter which highlights how to explore the area responsibly.
The campaign is being promoted across Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s social media channels and at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/inspiration/time-to, where an online ‘hub’ features content offering inspiration and information aimed at increasing day trips and overnight stays.
Tourism is usually worth £2.3 billion to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy, supporting over 30,000 jobs and boosting growth.
