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Buxton conference focuses on hi-tech tourism fight-back against credit crunch
TAPPING into new technology to boost business and beat the credit crunch were among the top priorities at a high-profile networking event co-ordinated by Visit Peak District & Derbyshire (VPD&D).
Around 250 delegates from across the county and beyond took the opportunity to brush up their on-line marketing skills as well as to catch up on the latest news in local and national tourism at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton.
Accommodation providers, tourist attractions, retailers and eating establishments alike snapped up the chance to update their knowledge, swap ideas and share their plans as the 2009 season gets into full swing at The Tourism Fair and Literature Exchange.
VPD&D joined forces with Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership's (DDEP) ICT advice line Derbyshire WellConnected and event management company KC Jones of Derby to stage the well-subscribed event, which was supported by Lafarge Cement.
Popular morning and afternoon workshops focused on Getting Visitors on the Web and Advanced Online Marketing Techniques – including making the most of blogs, YouTube and Facebook.
Latest research by Visit England reveals that 69 per cent of the population is very concerned about the impact of the credit crunch, with 48 per cent claiming to be cutting back on holidays, short breaks and day trips – especially holidays abroad.
However, it also reveals that holidays are no longer considered a luxury, but a necessity, with tourists looking for quality and added value in tougher economic times – giving local tourism businesses more scope to persuade people to spend their leisure breaks in the Peak District and Derbyshire.
"We decided to stage the Tourism Exchange and Literature Exchange at the Pavilion Gardens for the first time in response to the growing demand for places from the local tourism industry," explained Helen Rydzyk, Head of Network Communications at VPD & D.
"The switch in venue meant we could accommodate an extra 100 delegates this year – and the initial feedback is that the move has been positively welcomed by tourism businesses, who see it as a key showcase to promote the quality services they offer.
"As well as giving them the chance to take part in informative workshops, it also offers an invaluable opportunity to network, make new contacts, work more closely together to boost tourism income across the area and share ideas and best practice in the on-going quest to attract more visitors and beat the credit crunch."
Delegates were able to see at first hand High Peak Borough Council's showpiece new Tourist Information Centre in the Pavilion Gardens.
The event also saw the launch of 'Welcome', the magazine for visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire in 2009 – 10. 'Welcome' is packed with useful information about the area's main tourist highlights, from fine food to festivals and key events to top visitor attractions, and is now available from local tourist information centres.
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Weather for Buxton
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy snow
Temperature: -2 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
