Tourism and hospitality businesses across the county are being urged to take part in a vital survey which gives them chance to comment anonymously on the day-to-day issues affecting trade.
Carried out in conjunction with Chartered Accountants, Tax and Business Advisers, Lamont Pridmore, Cumbria Tourism’s latest research is open to any tourism related business, including retailers and transport providers. Participants don’t need to be members of Cumbria Tourism to have their say on business performance so far this year, particularly the recent summer period.
With continued challenges around spiralling costs and staffing issues, Cumbria Tourism says it’s more important than ever for businesses to take part and play their role in shaping the future direction of the county’s visitor economy.
Questions cover a wider range of issues, from rising inflation and costs, to forward bookings, transport, staff housing, skills, recruitment, and more.
Research Manager at Cumbria Tourism, Helen Tate, says, “This latest health check of the county’s tourism businesses is really important for helping us to understand all the key issues affecting trade – both positive and negative.
“It should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, but the feedback will help give us a very important and rich source of data, to help determine how we can best support businesses as they navigate the everyday complexities, challenges and opportunities which come their way.”
Cumbria Tourism’s Managing Director, Gill Haigh, adds, “We know businesses are under immense pressure, but each and every completed survey will help us make a difference.
“Real-time data gathered from businesses in Cumbria builds a true picture of what is happening ‘here and now’, and feeds directly into our lobbying work with key decision-maker, including: MPs, Government Ministers and other national organisations like VisitBritain, the Tourism Alliance and UK Hospitality.
“With the continued participation of businesses in this survey, we can keep up the pressure to strengthen not just the visitor economy, but Cumbria’s economy as a whole.”
Graham Lamont, Chief Executive at Lamont Pridmore, adds: “I urge all hospitality and tourism businesses to complete this survey to quantify the issues and opportunities the sector is currently facing. The economic climate remains challenging for businesses, and it is vital that Cumbria Tourism, and others, like us, have the information needed to lobby Government and offer the high-quality business advice and services you need.”