Tourism becoming ever more important
Last updated at 19:34, Thursday, 12 July 2012
Tourism in West Cumbria is fast becoming a major part of the local economy, according to industry chiefs.
The news came as sector leaders gathered at West Cumbria Tourism’s annual meeting yesterday, at Lakes College, Lillyhall.
Eric Robson, chairman of the organisation, said the industry, worth £540million, employed almost 15,000 people and was set to grow as people choose “staycations” over holidays abroad.
He said: “Our message about West Cumbria is getting out there to the wider audience.
“Tourism is a natural partner for the Western Lake District even though the area is rooted in engineering and industry.
“On our doorstep is the best tourist destination in the UK after London.”
He said tourism had a vital role to play in making the district’s economy a vibrant and mixed one.
But he warned that organisations, industry bodies and the private sector must improve working together and joining up initiatives for the benefit of West Cumbria.
Around 70 delegates attended the meeting and heard from speakers including the West Cumbria Tourism team Katie Read and Lucy Hardy, Jill Graham, of Britain’s Energy Coast, and Chris Hines OBE, who has led projects to raise awareness of coastal development and regeneration.
Ms Read added: “It is our goal to develop a sense of place and strong brand for West Cumbria and get people coming back to us.”
First published at 19:25, Thursday, 12 July 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk
Editor's picks
- NDA boss hits out at slow Sellafield progress
- Firm keeps La’al Ratty on track
- Revealed: Schedule for roll-out of superfast broadband in Cumbria (5 comments)
- MP 'incredibly angry' at broadband roll-out plans
- New Allerdale boss makes jobs his top priority
- New Allerdale boss makes jobs his top priority
- Funniest Apprentice Tweets: Episode 7, Series 9
- Made in Cumbria: Dizzee Rascal's new website
- Carr's Milling buys up US firm
- Tata Steel reveals heavy losses
Vote
New vacancies
Useful links
BBC News business headlines
in-cumbria features
Investment to increase capacity at Carlisle’s Lanes shopping centre is on the cards following a change of ownership. 
What brought one of the most advanced performance management systems to Cumbria?
Cumbria business women make waves on the west coast - Ulverston hairdresser is cut above
- Barrow team reveals how firms are helping boost pupils’ skills
- Pupils in driving seat at Furness College open day
- Be wary of Pig campaign idea
- Meaty types hold prices at Ulverston Auction Mart
- Tenders invited for social housing work in Cumbria
- Action plan call to attract Cumbria young farmers
- Ulverston brewery job was fantastic introduction to marketing
- Positive attitude is key to success
- BAE Systems Barrow shipyard worker competes in international welding competition
- test
- Cumbria MPs slam 'indefensible' CQC
- Inquest into Millom suspected double murder to open in Cumbria today
- Health secretary Jeremy Hunt to make statement on failure to investigate trust behind Barrow hospital
- Government health watchdog accused of 'cover-up' over hospitals trust
- Cyclist left with head injuries in Cumbria crash
- Witness appeal for Dalton collision in Cumbria
- Hunt for Barrow seagull snipers (13 comments)
- Cumbria police arrest four people following Barrow street attack (2 comments)
- Carlisle residents' anger at mess left behind by travellers
Have your say
Be the first to comment on this article!
Make your comment