INDUSTRY body Cumbria Tourism has launched a new bid to bring more conferences to the county.

It has launched a free conference finding service after research showed business-focused tourism contributes £4bn to the British economy.

According to VisitEngland, business tourism creates more than 16 million trips each year.

Cumbria Tourism's new conference desk can help find the best venue options for conferences, events and training.

The organisation can also help match local venues for everything from meetings and exhibitions to product presentations and parties, free of charge.

Rachel Tyson, head of marketing and sales at Cumbria Tourism says: “This year will see millions of pounds’ worth of developments enhance conference facilities in Cumbria. Although business tourism is traditionally associated with cities such as Manchester and London, we have some truly unique venues and executive retreats in spectacular scenery, you simply can’t find in other parts of the country.

"It’s an emerging area for us, but we want to get the message out there that we have a free conference finding service to help put companies in touch with venues which offer a completely different corporate experience.”

Colin Fox, group marketing manager at English Lakes Hotels, Resorts & Venues, added: “Business tourism is hugely important to the Lake District and is certainly a major part of the plans for Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa and the extended and increased quality of the facilities at the venue. The development is expected to encourage more incentive and business tourism and if the Lake District is awarded World Heritage Status this July then a world class resort would definitely be a boost to the area.”

One venue which has a presence in this market is The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven, which has a £1m conference and learning centre.

Alan Irwin, business development manager there, said: “Cumbria has a thriving business community that attracts investment from across the globe and having a creative space at the museum provides new opportunities for businesses. The Beacon Museum have been keen to innovate in this way, as it allows us to change the perception of what a museum does: whether that be a community hub, learning centre or simply a greater catalyst for tourism.”