Investment News | 18 November 2020
Tourism industry future on the agenda
Tourism is a valuable sector to the Derbyshire economy – but 2020 has presented a major challenge to businesses involved in this industry.
The third and final day of the Midlands UK Forum for Growth will focus on the future of the region’s economy and what the priorities should be.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the UK tourism industry as a whole, has been hit hard – and places such as Derbyshire’s Peak District have witnessed a dramatic fall in visitor numbers, thanks in no small part to two national lockdowns.
However, a panel discussion to be held on Thursday 26th November at the virtual Midlands UK Forum for Growth event, aims to address how the tourism industry can bounce back from 2020.
On that panel, called Revitalising the Visitor Economy, will be Councillor Barry Lewis, leader of Derbyshire County Council and cabinet member for strategic leadership, culture and tourism.
He will be joined by others from the tourism sector across the Midlands who will tackle a range of questions, including how the Midlands can develop its visitor economy, where the opportunities for growth are, how tourism can rejuvenate towns and cities and how the private and public sector can collaborate to maximise mutual opportunities.
Due to the pandemic, businesses in the tourism industry have had to adapt. That is why visitor economy businesses based in Derbyshire are being encouraged to apply for digitalisation grants of up to £10,000 to enable them to adapt, recover and rebuild in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire is offering business grants to support the development of valuable digital assets such as online booking systems, updated websites and cashless payment facilities to help businesses respond to changes in consumer behaviour.
The grants programme is part of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund project, which has been updated to reflect new business needs that have emerged as a result of Covid-19.
Jo Dilley, managing director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, the area’s official tourist board, said: “Derbyshire’s tourism industry is facing some of its biggest-ever challenges and this funding will play a key role in helping businesses to adapt and diversify in response to new consumer trends.
“Digital assets such as cashless payment systems and online booking facilities are going to be vital in driving the sector’s recovery and helping businesses to get back on their feet.”
