Businesses and politicians in Eden are forging ahead with plans to boost the economic impact of tourism, after recent figures put it top of the table in Cumbria for growth in the sector.

The Eden Tourism Network is forging ahead with several new projects, including the 2020 visitor guide, development of the Visit Eden website and promotional activities to boost the district’s social media profile and target overseas visitors, after seeing an 8.6 per cent increase in tourism revenue in 2018.

The ambitious plans come after the district saw the value of tourism rise by a significant 8.6 per cent to £364.4 million according to findings by the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor, commonly known as STEAM.  

It also found a 1.2 per cent increase in the number of visitors, to 5.06 million. The number of jobs supported by the sector also rose, by 3.7 per cent to 4,639 full time equivalent jobs

The chair of Eden Tourism Network – which brings together businesses from all sections of the tourism industry – welcomed the increases.

“This latest research is a brilliant endorsement of partnership working in Eden between public and private sector tourism operators and the passion with which tourism services are delivered to the highest possible standards,” he said.

“Eden is such an amazing area which we know is popular and only by teamwork between the Eden Tourism team and those of us operating businesses can the maximum impact be realised for the local economy and the benefit of local communities and residents.”

Councillor Mary Robinson, commercial services portfolio holder at Eden District Council, added: “The fantastic product offer we have for the visitors in Eden is reflected by the investment and dynamism of the tourism businesses in our area and the continued growth in the value of tourism to the local economy bears testament to the positive relationship Eden Tourism, the tourism team of Eden District Council has with its businesses and the variety of projects jointly undertaken.”

While Eden topped the table for the biggest growth in a sector now worth £3 billion to the county’s economy each year, it remains third from the bottom of the table for the overall value – ahead of Barrow, at £122.8m and Copeland, at £183m.

Almost half of the county’s tourism value - £1.3bn – was generated in South Lakeland, putting it way ahead of second placed Carlisle, which generated £558m, and third-placed Allerdale, with £469m.