Westmorland has joined forces with Cumbria Tourism as an official Strategic Partner, reinforcing a shared commitment to championing the county’s visitor economy, local communities and landscapes.
Owned by a Cumbrian farming family, the company is one of the largest tourism and hospitality employers in the county, employing more than 500 people from across Cumbria.
Westmorland is well-known as the owner of Tebay Services, Rheged, The Westmorland Hotel and the Junction 38 Truckstop. It also owns the highly award-winning Gloucester Services – often ranked as the UK’s best motorway service station – and Cairn Lodge Services in Southern Scotland. All share the same founding principles of quality food, local sourcing and respect for place.
At the heart of the new Strategic Partnership is a shared belief that tourism can be a powerful force for good. Cumbria Tourism’s Strategic Partners form an influential network of 22 leading tourism-related businesses, organisations and individuals who share a common ambition to significantly grow the value of the county’s tourism sector while building a brighter, more sustainable future for Cumbria.
Chair of Westmorland, Sarah Dunning, says: “Since our founding, Westmorland has committed to championing Cumbria; its landscapes, its produce and, above all, its people. We have always believed that when tourism is rooted in place and shaped by strong local partnerships, it can be a powerful force for good.
“As one of the county’s largest hospitality employers, we see every day how a thriving, sustainable visitor economy supports farming, food producers, craftspeople and communities across Cumbria. By working alongside Cumbria Tourism and fellow Strategic Partners, we want to help ensure that growth in tourism brings long-term benefits and creates meaningful opportunities for young people, nurturing local talent, and keeping value within the local economy.
“We are proud to stand alongside organisations that share our commitment to protecting what makes Cumbria special, while widening opportunity for those who need it most.”
Chair of Cumbria Tourism, Mark Holroyd, adds: “Westmorland has deep roots in our rural economy and an intrinsic understanding of how farming, food and drink, and tourism work side by side – delivering circular benefits that support local communities, promote health and wellbeing, nurture talent, and preserve traditional skills, heritage and crafts.
“We know all the team at Westmorland are huge advocates for our industry, and we are proud to have them, their experience and their enthusiasm alongside us as a Strategic Partner.
“They join a group of diverse – but like-minded – organisations who are committed to championing Cumbria’s vibrant visitor economy and the communities it supports. We’re grateful to all of our Strategic Partners and Patrons, who demonstrate how collaboration, shared values and long-term thinking can help deliver benefits for all.”
See the full list of Cumbria Tourism’s Strategic Partners at:
www.cumbriatourism.org/who-we-are/patrons-strategic-partners/