Gearing up for bumper numbers of tourists

TOURISM chiefs hope the hills will be alive with the sound of visitors as the holiday season is launched in the Moorlands.

Tourist Information Centre managers predict a bumper season because of the high cost of going abroad.

About 36 million visitors are expected to visit the Peak District and the surrounding area this year.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council senior tourism officer Maria Killoran said: "We feel spring is on its way and need to get everyone organised. If we get decent weather, Easter will be heaving and we urge tourism-related businesses to take advantage of the help we can give them."

The council is holding an open day for tourism businesses at Leek Tourist Information Centre tomorrow.

Experts will be offering free advice from 9.30am to 8pm.

Councillor Ben Emery said: "Our job is to promote the wealth of tourism businesses that make Staffordshire Moorlands so popular."