Cumbrian tourism businesses will get the chance to hear from top speakers about the trends and opportunities facing their industry at an event next week.

This year’s Eden Tourism Summit will be held at the Appleby Manor Country House Hotel in the Eden Valley on Wednesday October 14, with a focus on “delivering a quality visitor experience”.

Visit Britain’s director of strategy, Patricia Yates will open this year’s Summit by providing an insight into future tourism trends and the impacts and opportunities facing Eden as a holiday destination and head of research and forecasting, Richard Nicholls, will give a national and international perspective of visitor trends including the importance of inbound markets.

Jim Walker, chair of the Eden Tourism Network, said: “The Eden Tourism Summit is a must for local accommodation providers and attractions. We have a great array of speakers lined up and there are plenty of opportunities to network, whilst enjoying the hospitality of the excellent Appleby Manor Country House Hotel. “This year’s event focuses on quality in all sectors of the tourism market place, including environmentally friendly practice, and how businesses can proactively promote these positive messages through social media. The Summit will provide an exciting mix of presentations and practical workshops which will enable delegates to take away valuable tips to help develop their own businesses.”

Patricia said: “VisitBritain is proud to support the excellent work of Eden Tourism and the 2015 Eden Tourism Summit will be a great opportunity to showcase this beautiful region. VisitBritain is working hard to encourage international visitors to explore all the nations and regions of Britain, and the launch of the ‘Countryside is GREAT’ campaign in January was a key part of this. “We have seen the trend towards regional visits increasing and 2015 started very well with visits to the north-west up 11% in the first quarter compared to last year, and we anticipate this will continue. The strongest market regionally is the US with visitors spending a record £127 million in 2014. During the summit I will be supporting delegates to consider how to further drive international visitors to Eden, building on current achievements in the sector. I am very much looking forward to seeing more of the truly stunning scenery Eden has to offer, and enjoying the hospitality I know the region is renowned for.” Helen Tate, research manager at Cumbria Tourism will provide an insight into how Eden and Cumbria are benefitting from our multi-million pound visitor economy and future trends and growth patterns. Eden District Council’s economic development portfolio holder, David Hymers MBE will be attending the Summit, and said: “In 2014 visitor spend in Eden rose by 9.9% to £267.7m, visitor numbers grew by 5% and employment increased 3.6% to 4,039 full time equivalent jobs. “We are aware that if we are to continue to grow the visitor economy in Eden we need to offer a top quality experience to our visitors. This Summit aims to offer practical advice to our businesses to help achieve this goal.”

Also speaking at the Summit are: Vicky Howell and Ros Walker from Visit England, and Anna Saczek, from Lowther Castle and Gardens.

Tickets for the Eden Tourism Summit are £15 (plus VAT) per delegate, to book tickets contact The Eden Tourism Team telephone: 01768 212165/212265 or email: tourism@eden.gov.uk