Tourism and hospitality businesses from across Cumbria will come together later this week at the Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa to explore the growing accessible tourism market and how they can provide a world-class experience for all.
One in five visits to Cumbria involves someone with additional needs and with this month’s Purple Tuesday already drawing attention to the need for and benefits of more accessible facilities and attractions the event will show how businesses can become more welcoming to visitors of all abilities. Guest speaker Julia Walker, Development Manager at local charity Lake District Mobility, will share from her wide experience and highlight why accessibility matters to all.
A well known local figure, Julia says: “20% of tourism visitors to Cumbria include somebody with a disability and this figure is expected to increase in the near future so it’s vital that hotels, restaurants and attractions right across the county ensure that they’re open and welcoming to all potential customers. Disability comes in many forms, some more visible than others and there are many things businesses can do to make peoples’ stays easier and much more welcoming, increasing the chances of them returning again and again.”
Alongside Julia, attendees will also hear from Mark Holroyd, Head of Recreation and Communications (North of England) at Forestry England, who will detail the tourism potential of Cumbria’s Dark Skies, particularly in generating off-season bookings. Areas such as Northumberland, the North Pennines and Galloway have already experienced growth in this area and with parts of the county boasting some of the darkest skies in England there are many opportunities for all tourism businesses to benefit, particularly through new events and attractions.
These topics directly feed into Cumbria Tourism’s emerging five-year strategy to build a world-class experience and further grow the value of year-round tourism. Attendees will learn more on the benefits the developing strategy will bring to their businesses.
The day will also include an update on Cumbria Tourism’s recent activity at the highest levels, including a nationwide sustainable transport marketing campaign funded by the rail industry which has already saved an estimated 1.3 million car miles. Their latest #theplacetobe campaign aims to attract visitors to the county all year round, with a particular focus on the health and wellness benefits visiting can imbue, and there are opportunities for businesses of all sizes from right across the county to get involved and benefit from the campaign.
Gill Haigh, Cumbria Tourism MD, says “We hold regular events for our members throughout the year and they are always fantastic opportunities for our members to meet and network with other tourism business and discover new ways in which they can work together for our thriving industry. We have a great collection of passionate speakers attending and I know they will inspire everyone who attends to even greater things!”
