A leading figure in tourism has added his voice to those raising concerns about the combined effects of the coronavirus and immigration policy on the sector.

Jim Walker, who is chair of Cumbria Tourism and the Eden Tourism Network, as well as a consultant and adviser for Ullswater Steamers owner Lake District Estates said he was "very concerned" about the impact of the virus.

At the same time, Jim - who is also chair of the North Lakes China Forum - said the Government's plans for rules around migrant workers could be "very damaging".

"We are very concerned about the coronavirus impact on tourism throughout Cumbria," said Jim.

Tourism operators across the UK have reported a drop in Chinese visitors following the outbreak.

"In Eden and the North Lakes we have been working hard over the last couple of years to encourage (the Chinese) market to visit and it's a much less developed market, so without a doubt that work will stall, but we are very keen to pick that up and keep working with them," he said.

"It's very important to have a balanced portfolio and markets and as a result we are working with lots of different markets."

However, he said the effect on the Ullswater Steamers itself was small.

"Group bookings are important and we are starting to see group bookings from China start to take place, but it's not significant part of our business," he said.

Jim said the various bodies he worked with were also considering how to lobby Government to force a change in its plans for migrant workers.

The Home Office has said non-EU and EU workers will be treated the same after December 31 when freedom of movement between the UK and Europe ends.

The Government has said the move is designed to reduce reliance on cheap labour from overseas, while encouraging investment in British staff.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said businesses could recruit from the eight million "economically inactive" workers in the UK.

The right to work in the country would be based on a points system, taking into account applicants' ability to speak English and an offer of a skilled job.

More points would be awarded for qualifications, the salary on offer and working in a sector with shortages.

Under the plans, the salary cap would be £25,600 although it could be as low as £20,480 for "specific shortage occupations", including nursing and civil engineering.

Those working in hospitality and tourism in Cumbria say the rules could impact their ability to hire staff.

It is estimated that around a third of Cumbria’s 65,000-strong tourism workforce are from overseas, with more than half of workers in the Lake District come from the EU.

The average wage for a hospitality role is £17,000.

The tourism sector is worth £3 billion to Cumbria’s economy.

"Having seen some more clarity on the policy we are really more concerned," said Jim.

"There seems to be little understanding of the impact this will have.

"It's not just about the tourism businesses themselves alone, it's about all the follow on work.

"There are various sectors that will be deeply affected by what the Government seems to be suggesting.

"We are making protests to Government and other bodies to raise the profile and we will be working hard to see a change of policy."

This could include pushing for the hospitality and tourism sector to have a dispensation from the rules.

"It's vitally important and we fear it could be very damaging," said Jim.

However, he added that despite the challenges, he was confident those in the sector in Cumbria could adapt.

"The industry is incredibly resilient and it's got some amazing people working in it who will respond to these challenges," he said.