From this week, many businesses across Cumbria will be welcoming visitors back to enjoy appropriately socially-distanced outdoor activities, hospitality and self-contained accommodation.

With many restrictions and limitations still in place, the county’s official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) is encouraging business owners to clearly communicate any changes of service to customers ahead of their visit.

"It’s fantastic to see so many cafes, restaurants, shops and self-catering accommodation opening their doors once again after months of closure,” said Jim Walker, chair of Cumbria Tourism.

“I’ve seen first-hand how much hard work has gone into reopening safely, with businesses investing in new infrastructure and staff training to provide top-level service in line with current legislation.”

With continuing legal restrictions and social-distancing guidelines likely to affect almost all businesses in the county, it’s important that any changes to normal service are clearly communicated.

With capacities reduced, many are operating pre-bookable experiences to manage visitor flow and, while customers will understand the reasoning, it is important that they’re informed ahead of their visit to avoid disappointment upon arrival.

Similarly, cafes, pubs and restaurants are currently permitted only to serve customers outside, which may affect their usual atmosphere.

Additional cleaning procedures may mean shorter opening hours, potentially causing disappointment if visitors arrive only to find an attraction has closed for the day.

These messages need not be solely Covid-19 focused; an update on opening hours or reduced capacity is also a fantastic opportunity to highlight new dishes or services, or welcome new staff members to existing teams, showing customers a friendly face before they even arrive.

Many businesses have already made great use of digital marketing during lockdown to share stories and images while closed, and now is the perfect time to reach out to these audiences with news and updates about reopening.

Alongside businesses’ own websites, social media and email marketing, Cumbria Tourism is assisting its members by sharing news of reopening through its wide range of communication channels and is asking member businesses to contact the team with information on their reopening schedule.

As well as assisting with visitor enquiries, this information is also valuable for other hospitality providers who will be able to recommend attractions and restaurants with confidence.

It is just as important to reassure customers and the local community are reassured.

The nationwide 'We’re Good to Go’ scheme provides a recognised stamp of approval for businesses to display showing their commitment to safety and is available for free to any business which passes their Covid-19 safety checklist.

This week’s initial relaxation marks the beginning of regeneration for the local economy, but it will take time for confidence to grow and viability to return.

Cumbria Tourism is providing a comprehensive range of resources to support local businesses as they reopen, including itineraries highlighting new and lesser-known activities in every corner of the county for businesses to incorporate into their marketing and inspire their audiences to book ahead.

Cumbria Tourism members can also make use of an extensive media library alongside a bookable presence on www.visitlakedistrict.com

“If you’re not already a CT member then now is the ideal time to join us as we work together for the good of our industry” Mr Walker said.

“Twelve months of near-constant lobbying has delivered real results for Cumbria and as we continue these top-level conversations every one of our members strengthens our voice.”

Keswick-based vegan café Kat’s Kitchen joined Cumbria Tourism in 2020.

“We have reaped many benefits of membership” said owner Kat Hale.

“We’ve received guidance on furlough, grants, loans and other funding during lockdown alongside webinars, one-to-one support and collaborations with other local businesses.

“We do not envisage a time when we’re no longer a member of Cumbria Tourism – the cost has been returned in so many ways and the benefits go far beyond our expectations.”

Businesses interested in learning more about the work of Cumbria Tourism and the benefits of membership can contact a member of the team at membership@cumbriatourism.org or 01539 822 222.

The latest information on the reopening roadmap can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus