Buxton and Chatsworth welcome VisitBritain’s global network

VisitBritain’s international network came to Buxton and Chatsworth for the International Growth Summit a chance to discover what makes the East Midlands such a special place to visit.   

Sixty country managers and VisitBritain staff joined the two-day event on 27 and 28 October. They explored some of the region’s leading places to visit and talked about how tourism helps the local economy grow, and celebrate what makes the region unique and gives communities a sense of pride in where they live.  

The event began at Buxton Crescent, where impressive 18th-century architecture meets modern conference facilities in a Grade I-listed setting. On day two, the group visited Chatsworth House, home to 16 generations of the Dukes of Devonshire and one of the world’s most recognised stately homes.

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: 

“I am so proud of all that we have here in the East Midlands, and this event has created a brilliant opportunity to showcase the strengths we hold in the tourism sector. 

There is so much for visitors from around the world to discover – from world-class sporting venues and a rich cultural offer to beautiful countryside and unforgettable visitor experiences.  

One of my pledges when I was elected was to boost tourism and celebrate our region’s heritage, and bringing VisitBritain’s global network to the East Midlands is another way I am delivering on that promise.”

Alongside the conference, delegates were given the opportunity to experience behind-the-scenes tours of Chatsworth’s Christmas display preparations and new immersive experiences in Blue John Cavern. Further afield, Nottingham offered opportunities to experience Premier League football and discover the legend of Robin Hood.

Sharing the East Midlands with the world 

The summit is one piece of a wider mission to introduce the East Midlands to international audiences, building on recent work with VisitBritain to reach visitors from the United States and Japan 

Earlier this year, Mayor Claire Ward took part in Greater Together LA, the UK’s largest-ever trade mission to the US. Working with VisitBritain, she represented the East Midlands and showcased the wide range of experiences our region has to offer American visitors. 

Back on home turf, this summer, Japanese tour operators visited the region, with the Mayor welcoming them at The Cavendish in scenic Baslow.  

By bringing VisitBritain’s international network to our region, this summit gave those responsible for promoting Britain overseas a first-hand look at what the East Midlands has to offer, and underlined tourism’s importance to the region’s future.