Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire has joined with local MP Robert Largan and a host of Destination Management Organisations from across the country to back a campaign encouraging government to ensure the tourism sector is supported through Winter 2020.

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Last month a petition was launched by Tim Farron MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale alongside Cumbria Tourism, the county’s destination management organisation, asking visitors, businesses and partners to show their backing for a government winter support package. The petition has quickly gained momentum including support from cross party politicians as well as National Park leaders. Now, DMOs the length and breadth of the country are adding their weight.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “The coronavirus crisis has had a devastating impact on the Peak District and Derbyshire’s £2.3 billion visitor economy, and our hard-hit tourism and hospitality businesses have already missed out on a large part of the critical summer season. Whilst many businesses are eager to reopen, the restrictions in place mean it will be difficult for them to sustain their offer as they all juggle financial viability with limits on capacity and levels of investment to adapt their business. Without a winter package of long-term financial support, many businesses and associated jobs will simply not survive.”

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, said: “Tourism and hospitality are absolutely central to our local economy in the Peak District. We all know that the sector has been badly hit by the global pandemic and it’s vital that the Government does all it can to help local businesses get through this unique economic challenge.”

Sign the petition today!

I/we the undersigned call on the Government to provide a package of financial support for the hospitality and tourism industry to take the sector through to the Spring of 2021.