Town all set for tourism boom
TOURISM businesses in Ashbourne look to be benefiting from the credit crunch, with more people deciding to holiday in the UK rather than travel abroad.
The number of people booking Derbyshire Dales holiday accommodation online is soaring.
The value of bookings on the Visit Peak District & Derbyshire website is up on last year, and if the trend of the first 11 months of 2008-09 were to continue for a full year, bookings for this year would be up 40 per cent on 2007-08 to £410,600.
The 12-month projected number of bed nights booked for 2008-09 is 14,967, which would be a 33 per cent increase on 2007-08.
Derbyshire Dales Tourist Information Centres are encouraging not only visitors but also local people to call in to get better acquainted with the host of attractions in the area.
Councillor Simon Spencer, chairman of Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Partnership and Regeneration Committee, said: “The credit crunch on this occasion could have a positive impact as we prepare for the 2009 season as more UK holidaymakers may be looking closer to home this summer.”
“When planning day trips, I really would encourage people to take a look at what is available in the Derbyshire Dales.
"Our Tourist Information Centres are great places for local people to visit for advice on where to go to find the many gems of the Dales and this is a great time to get better acquainted with some of the fabulous local attractions we pass every day.”
Council leader Councillor Lewis Rose added: "We are committed to the tourism partnership and the council will also continue to work hard to maintain the district’s record as one of the cleanest and safest places in the county, because we firmly believe this gives us a competitive advantage in encouraging people to visit such an outstandingly
beautiful part of the UK."
The visitpeakdistrict.com website has a wealth of information for residents and visitors, including the Peak District & Derbyshire Visitor Guide 2009.
Ashbourne Tourist Information Centre is located at 13 Market Place, open every day from 10am to 5pm. Phone 01335 343666 or email
ashbourneinfo@derbyshiredales.gov.uk
Ashbourne News Online's Places of Interest section highlights several local attractions. Our What's On guide is also worth checking out.
Euro insurance card warning
A LOCAL Euro MP is warning that millions of insurance cards covering Brits for emergencies abroad are due to expire.
Glenis Willmott is urging holidaymakers to check their cards before checking in.
“Nearly three in five of us claim to have a European Health Insurance Card but a staggering 3.3 million of us don’t realise they could be about to run out,’ she said.
The EHIC is valid for five years but cards were initially issued to last three years, which means they will expire this year.
“The EHIC can be renewed online or over the phone and will be delivered within 10 days," said Mrs Willmott. "It can also be renewed up to six months ahead of expiry."
She added: “If you fall ill or have an accident in any of the other 26 member states of the EU, the EHIC guarantees reduced-cost or free state emergency care on the same basis as local residents."
To renew or obtain an EHIC, call the EHIC Application Line on 0845 606 2030 or apply online at www.ehic.org.uk
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Copyright Ashbourne News Online 2009
Copyright Ashbourne News Online 2009
Copyright Ashbourne News Online 2009
