£1m drive to attract tourists£1m drive

Official tourist board, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, has welcomed confirmation that it is to share in a substantial pot of money from the government-backed Discover England Fund – creating the new 300 miles long East of England Touring Route between London and Northumberland.

New itineraries will be developed to bring together attractions, accommodation, activities and places to eat, to create a route that is culturally rich and quintessentially English. Germany has been chosen as the target market because touring is a familiar and well-loved holiday choice and the country has good travel connections with Eastern England. The emphasis will be on helping businesses operate in the international market and make them bookable by both independent travellers and tour operators and travel agents who are influential with German consumers.

“This is great news,” said Jo Dilley, managing director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.

“Our marketing and PR strategy is geared towards encouraging staying visitors from both the UK and overseas to visit the Peak District and Derbyshire and bring more money into both the local and regional economy.

“We’re now looking forward to working with our colleagues in the East Midlands and further afield to create itineraries and bookable products for both individuals and groups that will give tourists an authentic and enjoyable taste of England, discovering both well-known attractions and hidden gems wherever they travel.”

The East of England Touring Route project is being led by destination management and marketing organisation NewcastleGateshead initiative, working with other destinations organisations and local councils along the route, including colleagues at Visit Lincoln and Visit Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands.

Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive of NGI, said: “We are delighted to secure this funding and to be working closely with partners on this exciting project. The touring route will bring economic benefits to the region, and is a great opportunity for businesses to attract international visitors. “We know that Eastern England has so much to offer and we look forward to creating a route that showcases our history and countryside, our market towns and cities, and shines a light on a wonderful part of the country.”