We have called on Government Ministers to take urgent action to ensure that the latest post-Brexit immigration proposals will not damage the county’s £2.9billion tourism sector.

The Government’s Migration Advisory Committee has recommended new restrictions for low-skilled migrant workers when the UK leaves the European Union next Spring. However, the recommendations have sparked renewed concern from businesses locally about the potential impact on catering and hospitality businesses.

Our research clearly demonstrates that due to the seasonal spikes of visitors, many hospitality businesses require a unique mix of labour – including both overseas workers and local employees – to fill the labour gaps throughout the year.

In our role as the county’s official Destination Management Organisation, Cumbria Tourism has urged to Tourism Minister Michael Ellis and all six of the county’s MPs to support its calls and ensure they are heard at the highest level. This has prompted Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron to write to further Government Ministers including the Home Secretary, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union and the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says, “If implemented, this policy has the potential to compromise the growth of our £2.9billion tourism sector and destabilise the county’s economy as a whole. Cumbria’s population is less than half a million and aging fast, which means there is a limit on the number of eligible working age people. The current seasonal intensity also adds to the recruitment challenge. This means that European workers are an important asset here in Cumbria, so we are deeply concerned by recommendations that appear to make it harder for ‘low skill’ EU nationals to enter and support our tourism sector.

“It has been suggested that agriculture workers are exempt from these latest proposals and we are urging the Government to adopt a similar approach with hospitality and tourism. This would ensure continued easy access to migrant workers and prevent the introduction of barriers which could hinder applications and threaten Cumbria’s economic productivity.”

“We will continue calling for reassurance on these important issues with high-level policy and decision-makers and are grateful to our local MPs in helping support and defend our local tourism industry.”

Cumbria Tourism’s ‘health check’ of businesses across the sector is also helping to gather more concrete evidence to help strengthen the argument against the new immigration proposals. There is still time for business to complete the organisation’s Business Performance Survey, which asks specific questions about Brexit and potential staffing issues, giving individual businesses the chance to comment anonymously about their individual challenges.

With hot topics like Brexit, recruitment and profit margins all high on the agenda, it’s more important than ever that businesses complete Cumbria Tourism’s new survey capturing the current successes and challenges facing the county’s £2.9 billion tourism sector.

The Tourism Business ‘Health Check’ being carried out in association with Lamont Pridmore, aims to provide a snapshot of how the industry is performing by giving tourism businesses the chance to comment anonymously on the issues and trends affecting trade. As the county’s official Destination Management Organisation, Cumbria Tourism has been tracking this information for a number of years and it continues to be a vital source of data.

This latest ‘health check’ focuses on the last six months (April-September 2018) and the responses collected will be used to benchmark the county’s long-term performance. This means Cumbria Tourism can identify both ongoing and emerging issues. It can also continue highlighting the right issues with both national and regional policy-makers to promote a stronger visitor economy.

In recent months, this high-profile influencing has included meetings with the Tourism Minister, the Transport Minister, the Home Office and the Minister responsible for the Northern Powerhouse project, as well as the county’s six MPs, VisitEngland and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Cumbria Tourism has also used evidence gathered directly from businesses to successfully lobby for a £285,000 marketing campaign funded by the rail industry.

Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, adds, “We are here to support both individual tourism businesses and the county’s £2.9billion visitor economy as a whole. So, by taking a few moments to let us know how their business is doing, every participant is contributing to a valuable source of data. In turn, this first-hand evidence helps us to keep up the pressure on issues around funding, support and future strategy at the highest levels and to focus our resources on the issues that matter most.

She adds, “The survey is quick, easy to complete. It’s also anonymous, so responses won’t be attributed to an individual or business.”

For the first time, Cumbria Tourism has teamed up with one of the North West’s leading firms of accountants, tax and business advisors, Lamont Pridmore, to support the research.

Chief Executive of Lamont Pridmore, Graham Lamont, says, “To make the best business decisions you need up to date information and so we are delighted to support Cumbria Tourism’s Business Performance Survey.  Regular business-based research enables Cumbria Tourism to evidence the effects of national policies and lobby for change and increased support, while ensuring their own strategies and services continue to ensure the growth of the sector.  At Lamont Pridmore, we work hard to understand the wants and aspirations of our clients and we regularly use research to ensure we develop the products and services they require.”

ANY tourism or hospitality business based in Cumbria can make their voice heard by following the link and completing a series of short questions. It’s also available on Cumbria Tourism’s website: www.cumbriatourism.org/what-we-do/research/

Cumbria Tourism’s comprehensive research function is one of the key activities which sets it apart as Cumbria’s official Destination Management Organisation. As well as the Business Performance Survey, other regular analysis carried by Cumbria Tourism’s research team includes monthly occupancy surveys, county-wide visitor surveys, regular analysis of accommodation stock and data collection from visitor attractions.

For more information on Cumbria Tourism’s research programme, contact Research Manager, Helen Tate: htate@cumbriatourism.org

Cumbria Tourism is inviting businesses in the north of the county to get involved in a new project to help them access three key international travel markets.

Two National Trails – Hadrian’s Wall and the Pennine Way – will both be an integral part of ‘England’s Great Walking Trails’. Funded through Visit England’s £40 million Discover England Fund, this exciting new initiative is aimed at promoting seven of England’s National Trails to walkers from Germany, the Netherlands and the USA.

As Cumbria’s official Destination Management Organisation, Cumbria Tourism has teamed up with Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire to ensure the county receives maximum exposure from this showpiece national project.

Cumbria Tourism will also be working in conjunction with Northumberland Tourism on training and business support in the coming months. Works gets underway with a series of free workshops in Alston, Appleby and Carlisle in October and November – aimed at businesses close to either the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail or the northern part of the Pennine Way National Trail.

The project will help develop walking itineraries that take visitors off the beaten track, joining up with tour operators and UK specialist walking holiday companies. But the walk is only half of the experience, as the itineraries will highlight places to visit, eat, drink and stay along the way.

Sales and Marketing Manager at Cumbria Tourism, Sue Clarke, says, “This is a fantastic opportunity for tourism business not only to access free training to ensure they’re ready to welcome international visitors, but also to work with overseas tour operators to increase sales by looking at pricing, lead-in times and booking expectations.

“Gaining a competitive edge is more important than ever, so businesses will learn more about the importance of being on a National Trail and look at the specific expectations of potential customers from Germany, the Netherlands and the USA.”

 

Full details of the workshops in Cumbria include:

• Alston – Tuesday 9 October at South Tynedale Railway Discovery Centre (1-4pm)
• Appleby – Thursday 1 November at The Appleby Hub (1-4pm)
• Carlisle – Tuesday 13 November at Carlisle Airport (1-4pm)

 

To book onto a free workshop, contact Francine Bult on campaigns@cumbriatourism.org

The Lake District’s status as one of the most mouth-watering foodie destinations in the UK has been boosted this week with the addition of an extra Michelin star – bringing Cumbria’s tally to five.

Cumbria is now the home of four restaurants which hold the prestigious Michelin star status.

Rogan & Co in Cartmel – run by Simon Rogan of the nearby L’Enclume, was awarded a one-star rating which sees it join the exclusive club of Cumbrian restaurants which all share the glowing seal of approval by the team behind the internationally-respected 2019 Michelin Guide.

Furthermore, L’Enclume itself continues to boast two stars, having been honoured by the Michelin Guide every year since 2005 when the business was just three years old. Simon’s London restaurant Roganic was also awarded a Michelin star.

The Forest Side at Grasmere and Gilpin Hotel & Lake House in Windermere have both retained their one-star status.

Michelin star restaurants lure gastronomes from all corners of the globe and are famed for offering the crème de la crème of eating and dining experiences – particularly with international visitors.

Meanwhile, in Michelin’s new Bib Gourmand awards, the family-owned Dog & Gun Inn at Skelton was revealed as a winner on Friday September 28. Judges cited its “delicious takes on hearty pub classics which are elevated to new heights” for their decision to award the team a “Bib”, named after Bibendum – the Michelin Man.

Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “The latest announcements by the team at the Michelin guide once again demonstrates just how much choice our visitors and residents have when it comes to luxury dining. With such a concentration of food excellence right across the county, it’s little wonder that the Lake District, Cumbria is just as well-respected for its food and drink offering as it is for adventure, culture and relaxation.”

While Cumbria is one of England’s largest counties it is also one of its least urbanised making its culinary prowess even more significant.

To celebrate the outstanding food and drink offering in Cumbria, we will be launching our annual Food and Drink Guide this autumn. Introduced by Hawkshead Relish Director and co-owner, Maria Whitehead, MBE, the guide showcases some of Cumbria’s best restaurants, pubs and local producers.

A go-to guide for visitors coming to Cumbria, the Food and Drink Guide is distributed across the county as well as within a two and a half hour driving distance for those planning a visit.

Gill Haigh continued, “As well as our quality restaurants, Cumbria is also famous for stunning original produce like Cumberland sausage, sticky toffee pudding, Herdwick Lamb, Grasmere Gingerbread and of course, Kendal Mint Cake. Our forthcoming Food and Drink Guide is a staple publication for the millions of visitors coming to Cumbria each year and we’re proud to produce this essential guide with our members.”

Cumbria Tourism is throwing its weight behind a brand-new regional wedding fair to promote the Lake District as the ultimate romantic destination to tie the knot – and to bring the area’s wedding venues and suppliers together under one roof for the first time.

The county’s Official Destination Management Organisation will be an official partner for the newly created Lake District Wedding Fair, which will take place in the Exhibition Hall at the J36 Rural Auction Centre near Kendal on 23 and 24 February 2019.

Weddings are an important part of Cumbria’s £2.9billion tourism sector, but until now, there hasn’t been one single location where prospective brides and grooms can meet a full range of suppliers and hotel wedding co-ordinators face-to-face.

Organised by event and show professional Nick Hood and experienced wedding organisers Joe and Agata Nichols, the team are taking a collaborative approach with support from partners across the region including Cumbria Tourism.

Show Co-ordinator Nick Hood says, “The Lake District is now a famous wedding destination, with brides and grooms travelling from near and far to get married here. The Lake District Wedding Fair will be a natural place to come and meet the best of the region’s venues and wedding suppliers in one space. Beautifully laid out and organised to best reflect what today’s brides are looking for, The Lake District Wedding Fair will welcome exhibitors from across the region to promote their expertise to couples and their families, as they start to plan their weddings.”

Joe Nichols continues, “It’s no surprise The Lake District is host to so many nuptials each year as it is one of the country’s most scenic and inspiring wedding destinations. But never before has one event given couples the chance to meet all of the areas wedding professionals in one place. The fair will not only give couples the chance to discuss their requirements face to face with suppliers of all areas of the wedding sector, but we will also offer a range of unique features aimed to inspire couples and support them with planning their day.”

Winner of Cumbria Tourism’s Wedding Venue of the Year – the Broadoaks Country House Hotel in Windermere – was one of the first to snap up an exhibition stand at the event. It has already been joined by other renowned bridal venues from across Cumbria, including Armathwaite Hall near Keswick, Askham Hall in the Eden Valley and Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel.

There will also be a wide range of suppliers, from bridalwear, cakes and flowers to photography, entertainment and specialist vehicle hire, along with a professional catwalk fashion show.

Cumbria Tourism’s Head of Marketing and Sales, Rachel Tyson, says, “We’re excited about the prospect of a new event showcasing this magical place as the ultimate wedding destination. When it comes to weddings, Cumbria has it all; whether that’s a vow renewal with a sea view, a civil ceremony overlooking a lake or a dramatic reception set against stunning mountain scenery.

“And of course, it’s not just about one day either. Hen and stag dos, mini-moons and honeymoons all provide new opportunities for businesses. Many couples who marry here will also continue to return to the same venue year after year, to reminisce on their special day – so our wedding venues genuinely can inspire guests for life.”

For more information about exhibiting or visiting the Lake District Wedding Fair, contact: www.lakedistrictweddingfair.co.uk.

Or speak to the organisers on 015394 47692 / info@akedistrictweddingfair.co.uk