Distinctly Dales

The local legends, traditional food and special artefacts that make each of our villages and dales unique are being revealed in an exciting new project.

And the scheme aims to help tourism businesses develop new ways of attracting visitors based on this very local distinctiveness.

Commissioned by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA), Distinctly Dales will be delivered by experienced local marketing consultant Susan Briggs of the Tourism Network.

Using the special qualities of the National Park as a unique selling point, the project wants to provide the insider knowledge and distinctive experiences that tourists are increasingly looking for.

There are many features that can add to visitors’ understanding and enjoyment, but which are often difficult to find out about. Distinctly Dales will work with local people and businesses to draw out those qualities that make each of our areas different and interesting and show how they can be used for more effective marketing.

The first stage will pull together information on cultural and heritage features, local stories, natural attractions and local products. A library of images, videos and anecdotes will be gathered for use by tourism businesses throughout the Dales, and, from January, the project will look at how they can use that information and develop their own ‘local distinctiveness’ in order to reap business benefits.

People can take part through a series of local events or by contributing online - and many are already feeding in their ideas and stories.

To find out more about the Distinctly Dales project visit the Dales Tourism Business Network website, or email Susan Briggs at susan@tourismnetwork.co.uk.