Visit Peak District & Derbyshire has launched a new website – visitpeakdistrict.com – with improved design and functionality to boost tourism and promote the area as a world-leading destination for accessible and sustainable breaks.
The website, which is run by the area’s official destination management organisation, will showcase the Peak District and Derbyshire’s unique tourism offer to over 200,000 online visitors to the platform each month.
With a sleek design and updated photography, the new site promotes the Peak District and Derbyshire as an exciting destination for year-round breaks, utilising user-first functionality that focuses on ‘visitor mindset’ to encourage people to stay for longer, explore further and spend more.
The website has been designed to offer a quality user experience across desktop, mobile and tablet and showcases local businesses – including accommodation providers, attractions, and places to eat and drink – alongside towns and villages, walking and cycling trails, bookable experiences, and upcoming events to provide inspiration for visitors and residents alike.
The site aims to drive visitor footfall and support visitor economy growth across the wider destination and, in line with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire’s work with local authority partners, the design incorporates a series of dedicated landing pages for key locations to showcase the full breadth of the area’s visitor offer.
The website’s enhanced user journey enables visitors to plan trips according to ‘mindset’ and includes themed content for popular search terms including Dog Friendly, Family Friendly, Nature & Outdoors, and Arts, Heritage & Culture.
In addition, the new site utilises bespoke filters to promote the area as a top destination for sustainable and accessible breaks. Visitors can plan an eco-conscious trip to the area by searching for facilities such as electric vehicle charging points, eco-cleaning practices and plant-based menus, whilst downloadable car-free itineraries encourage the use of public transport.
The website also highlights the area’s excellent accessibility credentials by enabling visitors to search for great places to visit and stay using filters for requirements including wheelchair access, disabled toilets and hearing loops.
Other key elements of the new visitpeakdistrict.com website include:
- Continued use of booking and availability search functionality to allow visitors to book accommodation and experiences direct.
- Refreshed walking and cycling content with inspirational imagery and downloadable routes.
- A special offers section to promote the area as a great value destination to drive off-peak and midweek visits.
- New features for businesses who advertise on the site, including an in-depth reporting system, and the opportunity to add customised adverts to maximise business exposure.
The website launch has been supported by a new visual identity for Visit Peak District & Derbyshire to promote the destination as a place that encapsulates the best of ‘Everything England’ – from dramatic countryside to scenic towns and villages, world-class culture and heritage, quality food and drink, and unique and authentic experiences.
This will be promoted through a new digital marketing campaign aimed at driving traffic to the website, with a focus on supporting business recovery and building momentum for forward bookings.
Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “With a yearly reach of over 4.5 million page views, the visitpeakdistrict.com website is the official online visitor guide for the Peak District and Derbyshire.
“Not only is the website a vital tool in attracting visitors to the area, it also plays a key role in supporting local businesses whilst promoting everything that makes our destination a special place to visit, from our excellent accessibility credentials to our inspiring sustainable tourism offer.
“The refreshed site places the user journey front and centre with a refined navigation and refreshed design that reflects customer preferences and provides local businesses with an unrivalled marketing tool.
“In what is an increasingly competitive global marketplace, it’s never been more important for partners and stakeholders to come together to showcase the full breadth of the Peak District and Derbyshire’s tourism offer. In its new format, visitpeakdistrict.com is in an even stronger position to appeal to regular and new visitors to the destination whilst supporting the huge network of businesses that make up Derbyshire’s visitor economy.”
Rupert Pugh, Director of The Heights of Abraham, a Patron of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, said: “When it comes to attracting visitors to the Peak District and Derbyshire, it's essential to speak with one clear and powerful voice. The new visitpeakdistrict.com website really does the destination proud; it is easy to use, packed full of information, and clearly demonstrates why the Peak District and Derbyshire is a world-rated destination.”
In addition to the new consumer-facing website, Visit Peak District & Derbyshire is set to launch a refreshed industry website and a new conferencing and events website to promote the area’s corporate offer later this year.
The website has been developed by digital destination marketing solutions company DestinationCore, who have decades of experience in creating engaging and informative place marketing websites. The website was funded by the East Midlands Accelerator project, which is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF).