AROUND 100 tourism businesses have attended the fifth Eden Tourism Summit.

The annual event is organised by Eden Council and Eden Tourism Network, at Tebay Services Hotel.

It involved presentations and practical workshops.

This year's theme was 'shaping the future of rural tourism' and the speakers included Ken Robinson, an adviser, writer and speaker on tourism topics, Bernard Donoghue, the director of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, and Sharon Orrell, head of research and insight at Visit England.

She presented a national perspective of visitor trends, with particular reference to rural destinations.

Kendal-based consultant Helen Tate talked about research findings and trends for Eden and Cumbria while Rachel Bell, of Ullswater Steamers, shared tips on how to develop and refresh the visitor offer.

Jim Walker, chairman of Eden Tourism Network, said: "The quality of speakers ensured the event was again a huge success and a great result for the Eden Tourism team."

Mr Robinson, who travelled from London to address the summit, added: "The economic benefit of tourism to Eden is well documented - but tourism can bring much more than money and jobs to rural communities.

"Eden is well placed to make sure that, as your tourism grows, it is well managed for the benefit of visitors and the local community.”

The speakers were followed workshops on topics from social media to product development and 'Brexit and Beyond’.