Peak District & Derbyshire scores success at prestigious travel awards!
Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s quest to promote the area as a world-class destination has been given a huge boost after it was recognised in three of the travel industry’s top awards.
It has been revealed that the Peak District and Derbyshire has won bronze in the prestigious 2019 British Travel Awards, which are considered the benchmark for excellence in the travel industry and are voted for by the travelling public.
It marks the second year in a row that the area’s official tourist board has scooped bronze in the ‘Best UK Holiday County or Region’ category – fending off stiff competition from key contenders Devon, Cumbria and the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, beaten only by Cornwall (gold) and Northumberland (silver).
The announcement came amidst a month of success for tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire after the destination also reached the final of the i news Staycation Awards, which celebrate the quality and diversity of Britain’s thriving domestic travel industry.
Out of over 1,000 entries in total, the Peak District and Derbyshire reached the final three in the ‘Rural Location of the Year’ category alongside Dumfries and Galloway (winners) and Northumberland.
The Staycation Awards also showcased the area’s dedication to eco-friendly tourism. Hoe Grange Holidays self-catering accommodation, near Brassington, was shortlisted from hundreds of entrants in the sustainable tourism category – with special recognition for its commitment to the environment.
In a further boost to the local tourism industry, luxury lodge holiday park, Landal Darwin Forest near Matlock, was presented with two top awards by UK staycation specialist Hoseasons – including the coveted ‘Best in Britain: Large Resort’ title.
Landal Darwin Forest was also crowned ‘Best Relax & Explore’ destination in the Heart of England at Hoseasons’ annual Gala Awards – a celebration of the self-catering company’s locations across the UK that have achieved the highest scores in independent customer satisfaction surveys.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said:
"It’s been a fantastic month for tourism in the Peak District and Derbyshire and we are delighted that our world-class destination has been recognised in these prestigious awards.
"We have so much to offer, from specially-protected landscapes, adventurous outdoor activities and award-winning attractions to rich history and heritage, quality accommodation and delicious, locally-produced food and drink – so it’s brilliant to be rewarded in this way.
“The area saw a 13.5 per cent increase in overnight stays last year with more than 42 million overall visitors – and these awards clearly showcase how the Peak District and Derbyshire is a top-quality choice for both domestic and international visitors. Hopefully, we will achieve even greater things in 2020!"