Peak District pubs to offer visitor information points in tourism pilot
Visitor information points are being installed in pubs in the Peak District and Derbyshire, as part of a pilot programme to keep tourists informed and boost trade to pubs.
Nine pubs will take part in the pilot, with the first visitor information point being launched at the Wheatsheaf in Baslow by tourism minister John Penrose.
The Peak District attracts 35 million visitors each year. Under the new pilot scheme, pub customers will be able to pick up leaflets and brochures on what there is to see and do in the area. Visitors will hopefully stay on to enjoy what the pub has to offer, helping both pubs and the wider tourism industry.
The British Beer & Pub Association is paying for the cost of the materials. Participating pubs will receive a specially designed brochure dispenser, which will be regularly filled and updated, free of charge, with a range of local tourism leaflets.
Penrose said: "The best pubs these days provide a warm welcome and first-class hospitality, so it's a great idea to combine this with up-to-the-minute advice for tourists as well."
BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds added: "I hope this scheme is the first of many, and I want to thank Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, as well as local pubs, for getting involved. 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."
By Neil Gerrard
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