Tourist information now on draught in Peak District pubs!
By: JimOldfield
June 4th, 2012
Pubs in a top National Park are being turned into mini tourist information centres, in an innovative new initiative between tourism bosses and the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).
So far, some eight pubs in Derbyshire’s Peak District have agreed to act as Visitor Information Points in a pilot scheme between the BBPA and Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.
Under the scheme, the pubs operate as mini tourist information centres, supplying leaflets and brochures to visitors on what there is to see and do in the Peak District.
In return, participating pubs will be promoted by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire as places for visitors to obtain information on local attractions, and they will be able to display a recognised sign outside… as pubs and the tourism industry work together to promote each other to some 35 million annual visitors.
The BBPA is bearing the cost of the materials, which includes specially-designed brochure dispensers and Tory Tourism Minister John Penrose is backing the idea.
He said: “I’m really pleased to support this initiative. The best pubs these days provide a warm welcome and first-class hospitality for all, so it’s a great idea to combine this with up-to-the-minute advice for tourists as well.
“The Peak District and Derbyshire have so much to offer, and it’s great that visitors in future will be able to get information about what to do and see during their stay, along with the best in traditional pub fare.”
BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds added: “I hope this scheme is the first of many.
“With pubs open in the evening, it’s a great way to ensure ‘extended hours’ for tourist information. Pubs are already right at the heart of tourism in Britain, and this sort of scheme will help us to make the most if it.”
And Visit Peak District & Derbyshire chief executive David James went on: “We are delighted to be the first tourist board in the country to work in close partnership with the British Beer & Pub Association on this pioneering pilot project to create a network of Visitor Information Points in pubs across the area.”
“Not only will the pubs benefit, by being placed right at the heart of the local tourism offer, plus the opportunity to be promoted on tourism websites and in brochures, visitors will also appreciate the convenience of having information about the area at their fingertips when they’re out sampling local food and drink.”
The pioneering pubs who have signed up already are: Wheatsheaf, Baslow; Grouse and Claret, Rowsley ; Sycamore, Parwich; Cheshire Cheese, Longnor; Crispin, Great Longstone; Bull I’ th’ Thorn, Hurdlow; Scotsman Pack, Hathersage and Knockerdown, Carsington.
