City joins tourism partnership with Peak District park

Sheffield City Council is partnering up with Visit Peak District & Derbyshire to increase visitor income by attracting more overseas tourists and domestic holidaymakers.

The city – one of the UK's greenest – is the only one in England with a national park inside its boundary. The Peak District is one of the most-visited national parks in the country.

Sheffield City Council leader Paul Scriven said it was "an exciting step forwards" for developing Sheffield's tourism industry.

He added: "Our vast amount of green space and proximity to the Peak District National Park allows us to promote a unique package – a city which combines the great outdoors, including walking, mountain biking and Chatsworth, with the benefits of a modern and lively city, including fantastic restaurants, spas, hotels and festivals."

The partnership will see Sheffield's venues, attractions and tourism messages feature in Peak District materials.

The chief executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, David James, said it has been working hard since the foot and mouth crisis in 2005 to promote the area.

He added: "Our new partnership with Sheffield – one of Europe's largest cities, with around a third of it in the Peak District National Park – offers an even more positive way forward in publicising its assets on a wider national and international stage."

The chief executive of VisitEngland, James Berresford, recently said the Peak District was one of its "Destinations of Distinction", which will play a leading role in the national tourism board's campaigns.

Mr Berresford said: "It is fantastic to see Sheffield proactively taking control of its tourism activity. Cities must work to their strengths.

"Identifying and exploiting a unique selling point is essential in today's competitive market place."