The Government's Minister for the arts, heritage and tourism is on a two-day visit to the Lake District, to learn how World Heritage Site status can benefit the region's economy.

John Glen is in the region today and Friday to speak to local businesses about how they hope to capitalise on the recent status award.

He starts his tour today by visiting two National Trust properties - the Claife Viewing Station at Windermere, Hill Top and then The Wordsworth Trust, in Grasmere.

On Friday, he will also host a lunch with Cumbria Tourism members and partners to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the visitor economy in the county.

Mr Glen said: "The Lake District National Park is an amazing landscape that blends the preservation of stunning scenery with a modern and thriving tourism industry.

"World Heritage status was the culmination of years of dedication and it has been fantastic to see how local people and businesses are working together to capitalise on this achievement and raise the profile of the Lakes around the world."

The visit has been arranged by The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, in conjunction with Cumbria Tourism and the Lake District National Park.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “As well as celebrating World Heritage Status, this visit is a key opportunity for Cumbria Tourism and its partners to meet directly with a key influencer at Government level.

"On behalf of our 2,500 member businesses we will be proud to help showcase the unique and vibrant identity and tourism offer of the Lake District and Cumbria as a whole, as well as to explore opportunities and barriers to future growth with the Minister.

"It is vital that the tourism sector works closely with industry to influence national policy-makers and ensure that regional and national decision-making and infrastructure supports the needs of our £2.72bn tourism economy.”

Chairman of the Lake District National Park Partnership, Lord Clark of Windermere, said: “We are delighted to welcome the minister to the UK’s newest World Heritage Site.

"It’s an opportunity to explore with government how we manage the challenges and opportunities that come with looking after such an iconic, yet constantly changing, landscape for the future benefit of everyone who enjoys this special place.”