Culture Cumbria

Cumbria Tourism has recognised both the value of cultural tourism, identifying it as a core element of the tourism strategy. The appointment of a Cultural Tourism Project Manager, Sandra Wood, has been supported by additional funds from Arts Council, England.

For the past 12 months, there has been a Cultural Tourism programme delivered on behalf of Culture Cumbria. The year saw notable successes including an 8-page insert in The Guardian, a specific culture guide, a galleries guide, an art installation - DROP, £1.5m advertising equivalent value PR coverage as well as a cultural tourism message within Cumbria Tourism's tourism marketing channels.

During the coming year, initiatives will cover awareness raising, marketing, cultural PR, dedicated e-newsletters and direct mail, the development of podcasts and usage of rich media footage on website. There's also a move to drive more ticket sales through existing Golakes e-shop and to link event and attraction ticket sales with accommodation bookings.

We supported Fleur de Sel, an outdoor art installation planned in September 2009 and will build on a relationship with Folly (digital arts organisation) to support their strand of We Play, the North West Cultural Legacy Programme for the 2012 Olympics which runs alongside the Lakes Alive programme.