Upper Eden Community Interest Company and the social enterprise, Encounter Eden, are hosting a free networking event on 26 March at 18:00 and all businesses operating in the visitor economy are invited.
With the aim of tackling issues facing the Upper Eden visitor economy and exploring ways to attract visitors to stay longer in the area, Cumbria Tourism will be presenting up-to-date visitor data and offering an insight into current economic trends in the county and Eden Tourism (Eden District Council) will give an update on local activities and support available. This will be followed by a group discussion focussing on ways in which Upper Eden might be better promoted to prospective visitors and how to harness the increase in Cumbria’s visitor numbers for the area’s benefit.
Chairman of the Upper Eden CIC and Encounter Eden, Alex Birtles said, ‘This is a great opportunity for businesses in Upper Eden to get together and influence the development of strategy in respect of Cumbria’s visitor economy, as well as exploring ways in which they might present their own businesses to best advantage. Upper Eden is a beautiful area and worthy of more collaborative promotion”.
Sally Hemsley, Joint Eden Tourism Manager at Eden District Council said: “It’s important that we work in partnership with local tourism businesses to maximise the potential of the Upper Eden area when it comes to promoting it to visitors. Events like this are important opportunities for businesses to network and share ideas not only with each other but with the various organisations involved in the local visitor economy”
Business Development Manager at Cumbria Tourism, Sarah Glover, says, “Eden has an array of fantastic accommodation and attractions and is increasingly popular with visitors. Our most recent analysis shows that a total of 5 million annual visitors visited the borough in 2017, contributing almost £337 million to the local economy. We are looking forward to being part of this special event, which will bring businesses together to help build momentum for the local tourism industry.”
Anyone who wants to attend should reserve their free place by emailing contact@EncounterEden.com
