Delegates at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire's Tourism Conference 2011 will be able to plug into the power-packed potential of electric bicycles as the area gears up to be the first UK host for a pioneering new project.

From this spring, battery-operated bikes - already popular in Europe - will bring the benefits of cycling to thousands of visitors who might otherwise find the area's terrain too challenging on two wheels, in a pilot scheme planned by the team behind Cycling England.

And accommodation providers and attractions will be encouraged to be bright sparks and discover the advantages of offering subtly-assisted exercise, fresh air and fun amid beautiful surroundings to their customers when the special cycles are unveiled at the Pavilion Gardens, Buxton, on Thursday March 31.

"We're very pleased that the Peak District has been selected as the first area in the UK to trial these electric bikes, which enable people to enjoy the area's fabulous scenery in an active, yet stress-free way," said David James, Chief Executive of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire.

"They will be conveniently available where people actually want to use them - at hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and major local attractions - and we are launching them at our conference so that people working in the industry can see their potential at first hand.

"Not only do they promote health and well-being, they're also environmentally-friendly, so will be a key element in our quest to promote sustainable travel and tourism by encouraging initiatives that help to tackle traffic congestion and pollution."

When the Electric Bicycle Network is operating in the Peak District, there will be battery charge points at pubs, cafes, restaurants and other strategic venues, so that cyclists can 'top up' while enjoying lunch, tea or a visit to a tourist attraction.

Tickets are selling fast for the Tourism Conference, which will also focus on how tourism businesses can use the Olympics as a spring board to a more prosperous future as part of the national tourist board VisitBritain's international Britain You're Invited initiative.

Key speaker on the subject will be Joss Croft, Project Director, Britain You're Invited, while James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, will outline changes in the regional and national tourism scene and will explain the Peak District & Derbyshire's pivotal role as a pathfinder Destination of Distinction.

Other headline speakers will be television and radio presenter, journalist and best selling author Stuart Maconie and ever-popular web expert Susan Hallam, who will share her entertaining and user-friendly tips on how to use social networking to boost sales and add value to any business.

VisitEngland Chairman, Penelope Viscountess Cobham, will also join delegates in the afternoon to speak about the strategic importance of tourism to the country's economy.

David James will set out the challenges facing and current and future priorities of the tourist board, while David Thornton, Head of Marketing and Deputy Chief Executive, will outline its marketing strategy to establish the Peak District as an 'attack brand' in VisitEngland's mission to attract more visitors at home and abroad.

Key conference sponsor The Camping and Caravanning Club will give an overview of the Club's current and future activities, and the area's Camping & Caravanning Guide 2011 - produced jointly by the Club and the tourist board - will be hot off the press on the day.

Matthew Eastlake, the Club's Marketing & Communications Director, said: "The Club is delighted to be working in partnership with one of the UK's leading tourist boards and we look forward to continuing to support Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, which has been instrumental in promoting sustainable tourism in such a beautiful area.

"The Peak District and Derbyshire are important growth areas for camping, and with this in mind the Club has recently purchased the Star Caravan & Camping Park near Alton Towers.

"As a Club, getting people to experience the great outdoors is very much in tune with our objectives and we will continue to encourage more tourists to visit the area so as to help keep local communities buoyant." 

Around 50 of the tourist board's public and private sector partners - including Chatsworth, the AA, Sheffield International Venues, The National Trust, Yeomans and the YHA - will also be on hand in an exhibition and networking area.

Added David James: "Limited tickets are still available, so I would urge anyone keen to attend to get in touch with us as soon as possible to secure their place for what promises to be a lively and informative day of discussion, networking and debate."

The conference fee includes a restaurant lunch and refreshments. Places can be reserved and paid for by contacting Melissa Downhill, Sales and Membership Administrator at Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, on 0845 833 0970 ext. 4867 or at melissa.downhill@visitpeakdistrict.com .