[T]he latest plans for Carlisle Airport, hot-off-the-press sector performance data, expert advice for businesses wanting to make the most of World Heritage Status and details on funded tourism apprenticeships – just some of the headline topics at Cumbria Tourism’s Members’ Meeting this Thursday 9 November 2017.
This key event in the county’s tourism sector calendar will be held at Carus Green Golf Club and is open to Cumbria Tourism’s 2,500 member businesses. It will also feature a ‘Question Time’ style session with tourism experts* focussing on: ‘Maximising opportunities for the visitor economy’.
As the county’s official Destination Management Organisation, Cumbria Tourism’s event brings members together to network and discuss topical issues, hear insights into major developments within the county, as well as details on marketing opportunities available to the tourism industry. This week’s event will be the inaugural meeting with new Managing Director Gill Haigh at the helm, and she will be outlining her observations and thoughts on future priorities and opportunities for Cumbria Tourism and the sector.
She will be joined by guest speakers Kate Willard (Stobart Group) and Martin Saxton (Stobart Air) to discuss the business benefits of Carlisle Airport’s upcoming expansion, and Paul Armstrong (University of Cumbria), who will outline opportunities for degree level apprenticeships and student placements.
The meeting will also feature an update on Cumbria Tourism’s latest business survey which examined businesses’ perceptions of key issues including Brexit and the new Lake District World Heritage status.
Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says: “My first few weeks in the job have been extremely busy and productive and it says much for the high regard in which the organisation is held, and the central position it plays in promoting and supporting the industry. I have already met and been invited to meet with dozens of organisations, member businesses and individuals. I will be sharing my findings since starting the role, the significant achievements Cumbria Tourism has been making, and importantly, my thoughts on our future priorities and opportunities ahead”.
The event is supported by our corporate and supplier members, including Kashing, Cumberland Business, The Cocoabean Hawkshead, Bucket & Spade, Visit Kendal, Lakeland Radio, Sealy Beds, Northern Print Distribution and H & H Reeds Printers, as well as Cumbria Tourism’s own commercial services. Cumbria Tourism recently revealed plans to partner with the Lakes Hospitality Trade Show on 7 and 8 March 2018 and businesses can also find out more at the event.
If you are a current member and have not yet booked your place at the Members’ Meeting – or if you are not yet a member and are interested in joining Cumbria Tourism – please contact the team on 01539 822222 / [email protected].
