Published: 22/11/2022
TOURISM businesses received the very latest industry updates at a breakfast event hosted by Copeland, Allerdale and Carlisle councils.
The event at Rosehill Theatre welcomed delegates from across the area and featured guest speakers from Armstrong and Watson, Cumbria Tourism and the University of Cumbria.
The three councils gave updates on their latest projects, and there were presentations on recruitment, how the cost of living crisis is affecting business, and development opportunities in 2023.
The free event is the third hosted by the three councils who will, along with Cumbria County Council, form Cumberland Council on April 1 2023.
Delegates were also treated to the premiere of The Hadrianic Frontier - a film that will form part of the 'Hadrian's 1900' celebrations finale in December. Soon a short version of the Sellafield-funded film will be available for businesses to use to promote the area as part of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site.
Coun Steven Morgan, Copeland's portfolio holder for tourism and commercial development, said: "It was fantastic to see so many people from the tourism sector keen to hear about what comes next for our area - and to do it in partnership with Carlisle and Allerdale.
"Thousands of jobs and businesses depend on tourism and hospitality, and it's a priority for us in our efforts to promote economic growth.
"Our amazing tourism offer is also what draws people here to live, work, invest and set up business - we want to continue to retain and attract bright and ambitious people.
"In my speech at the event I drew out what links tourism and wider economic prosperity. The things that bring visitors - fresh air, the landscape, good value, incredible activities, beautiful places to visit, great food and accommodation - that's what attracts entrepreneurs and investors too. A great place to visit is a great place to make a life and grasp new opportunities.
"Everyone at the event was keen to share their ideas and I look forward to seeing what the future brings for this dynamic sector in this very special part of the world."
Carlisle City Council destination manager, Paul Walker, said: “Officers from the districts have a strong track record of working together. This event is a further opportunity to align our efforts and make best use of the time and talents that exist within each area.
"The visitor economy is a competitive market place, and we look forward to maximising the benefits to our economy and our communities while protecting our unique landscapes.”
Coun Tony Markley, executive member with responsibility for tourism at Allerdale Borough Council, said: "I'd like to thank the team at Copeland Borough Council for organising this briefing. It was a great event which focused on some of the challenges facing the tourism sector - in particular, the recruitment and retention of staff as well as increasing costs.
"I have been heartened by conversations I have had with businesses and visitors over the summer. Heartened because it’s wonderful to hear visitors say how much they enjoy coming to our area and because of the resilience of business owners, demonstrating their wish to provide great service for visitors every time.
"We have so much to offer as a destination and I am incredibly proud of our area and the services our tourism businesses provide to make people's stays memorable. I look forward to meeting up with business owners again at future briefing events."
Anyone who missed the event can see the briefings here: https://businessallerdale.co.uk/tourism-breakfast-briefing/
The next free breakfast briefing for tourism and hospitality businesses will be hosted in the Carlisle area in spring 2023.
